A man from Harbour Main is taking the only comfort he can from the death of his son — the gift of life for others.

Brent Beshara's 30-year-old-son Carl was killed in a motorcycle accident two weeks ago.

But because Carl was an organ donor, six other lives were saved.

Beshara says that's provided great comfort to the family.

“Through this tragedy, it has such a ripple effect of goodness,” he said.

“For us as a family, it's a very beautiful thing to have the fact that Carl does live on in others.”

Raising awareness

Meanwhile, a medical student from Quebec is travelling across the country on bicycle to raise awareness of organ donation.

Medical student Quinn Thomas left British Columbia in June on a bicycle trip across Canada to raise awareness of organ donation. (Submitted photo)

“By taking time off and raising awareness for a subject that touches all medical fields, I believe that I could make my minor contribution to the medical world when I’m a student, before I get my diploma,” Quinn Thomas said.

Thomas began his journey in Tofino, B.C., on June 25. He was on track to finish his journey this weekend in St. John's.

“The two main things that I’m trying to get across here are, one, register as an organ donor,” Thomas said. “You can save up to eight lives and improve the quality of life of over 15 people. And, two, and most importantly, please share your intentions with your close ones.”

That will avoid the element of surprise for family members who are presented with the option in a time of grief, he said.

Small gesture, big results

Brent Beshara hopes more people will consider how such a small gesture can mean so much, to so many families.

"Please, please ... it's such a simple act," he said.