When Melva and Garland Shelby of Pine Bluff sent their 13-year-old son to school on an April morning in 2004, they could not have known about the tragic events that lay ahead for their family. Adron Shelby, nicknamed “Shorty,” was a vivacious 13-year-old boy, and an avid sports fan. He enjoyed playing football on his junior high team and was considered the life of any classroom.  He was a stranger to no one. Adron suffered a fatal aneurysm while at school; sadly, there was no chance of recovery for Adron. Through their very personal pain and loss, the Shelbys made the decision to donate their son’s right and left kidney, liver, heart valves and corneas at Arkansas Children’s Hospital where he was transported following his illness.

Melva honors Adron’s memory through her continued support of organ and tissue donation as a member of the Arkansas Donor Family Council. She is also an active volunteer speaker for ARORA.