(Shown above: Preview of "Tree of Life" artwork, dedicated in honor of Erik Babatz)
Just over five months ago, after the sudden death of sixteen-year-old Erik Babatz, his parents found hope in the darkness of tragedy - an opportunity for Erik's legacy to live on through organ donation. Erik had registered as an organ and tissue donor while getting his driver license in Lee County. Thanks to a selfless act of generosity, Erik saved five lives through organ donation and improved many more as a tissue donor.
The story of the Gifts of Life given by Erik Babatz will soon touch customers in a unique way with the unveiling of a Tree of Life at the Tax Collector Office in Downtown Fort Myers on Monday, July 16th.
The Tree of Life is a permanent, visual dedication to organ, tissue and eye donation for clients who visit the office and staff who work there. By saying “yes” when asked “Are you interested in becoming an organ donor?” while receiving or renewing a driver license, customers can designate their desire to be a lifesaver, like Erik. Members of the Babatz family will be in attendance at the unveiling event and will assist Honorable Larry Hart, Lee County Tax Collector, with revealing the Tree of Life artwork to the general public.
Every time a customer registers as an organ and tissue donor during a driver license transaction, they will have the opportunity to sign their name on a leaf and affix it to the Tree of Life. This allows the customer to leave a lasting touch on the office mural, similar to how organ and tissue donation leaves a lasting impact on all who are affected by it.
The July 16th unveiling will begin at 745AM at the Lee County Tax Collector Office in Downtown Fort Myers, located at 2480 Thompson Street, Ft. Myers, 33901.
Once the official unveiling event is complete, the Tree of Life artwork will remain on permanent display at the Tax Collector's Office and available for viewing by the general public during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 830AM-5PM.