Aimee Sachs

Standing just 4-foot-10, Aimee Sachs was fearless. The accomplished sports journalist built a respected career covering baseball for MLB.com, earning admiration for her determination, wit and passion for the game.

At 38, Aimee suffered two strokes, the second that left her with locked-in syndrome. Though fully conscious, she could communicate only by opening or closing her eyes.

“I told her if you want to live like this, people do it, and we’ll help in every way we can,” said her father, Ron Sachs. “But if you don’t want to live like this, let me know by shutting your eyes. And she instantly shut her eyes.”

Then he asked if she wanted to honor the decision she made when she received her driver license to be an organ donor, and she closed her eyes again to confirm “yes.”

“She closed her eyes fast and hard,” said her sister, Sam Sachs. “It was heartbreaking, but it was also very moving to see her take control of her life in the only way she could.”

On May 31, 2023, Aimee gave the Gift of Life to three people through the donation of her kidneys and liver.

“I am so deeply proud of Aimee and the choices she made at the end of her life,” Sam said. “She took control of her life and made the choice to give life to three other people.”