Lucy Reff loved her family, friends, horses, and dancing. She lived by the motto of live life to the fullest. Lucy had a bright smile, a contagious laugh, with a sassy personality to match.  She was the type of friend and person to help anyone in need.  In January 2019, she had shopped for her wedding dress with her Mom and friend before returning to Upstate Medical University for her last semester, where she was studying to be a respiratory therapist.  Lucy was due to graduate in May that year and be married a few months later in August. She was 23 years old with her life just beginning.  

A few days after returning to college, Lucy suffered a debilitating headache and went to the ER.  By the time she was diagnosed with a colloid cyst, it was too late and she was declared brain dead.  Her family decided to put her on life support until recipients could be matched to her organs and her organs could be safely donated. Lucy lives on through the recipients of her organs.  Her heart was successfully donated to a young ER doctor who had very recently discovered she had a heart condition that was so serious it required a transplant.  She has fully recovered and is successfully saving lives thanks to Lucy.  A man named Rick, received one of Lucy’s kidneys. His original kidney transplant lasted 11 years and with Lucy’s precious gift, Rick is enjoying a much better quality of life and he is doing well.  A woman named Carol successfully received Lucy’s liver.  Her family also keeps Lucy’s legacy going with an annual scholarship in her name at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY; also by holding blood drives with American Red Cross in her memory and through those who donate to Toys for Tots in her name.