Little Rock - The story shocked the state: Seven college-aged kids traveling to Disney World last May crash near Tallahassee. Two are killed instantly.

Twenty-year-old Kali Sparks--suffering from severe head injuries--clung to life for a week before she passed away.

(Michael Sparks, Kali's Father) “I wanted to run, but I didn't know where to run. When we left the hospital, the day they took her organs, I would've walked home if I could have. I didn't want to ride. We flew back, but, I just wanted to leave.”

Kali's parents were in a self-described fog for months.

(Michael Sparks) “I didn't know what day it was. Didn't know what date. Barely knew the month.”

Kali was an organ donor, and her death provided five people with a new lease on life--including a ten-year-old girl who received Kali's heart.

For her parents, that was encouraging. But it wasn't until they were asked to speak in support of a primary seat belt bill in front of lawmakers this year that the fog began to lift.

(Michael Sparks) “Really that was the first time I had even tried to speak. Privately, even. It was very, very difficult.”

The seat belt bill became law, and Kali's parents found a new calling.

(Rhonda Sparks, Kali’s Step-Mother) “If this difference can be made, and this can make us feel this much better, then, I'm going to try ARORA, and see how this feels.”

ARORA is Arkansas' Organ Recovery Agency. Michael and Rhonda have become spokespeople for the organization, and they come to the table with ideas--including how to improve communication between donors and recipients.

(Rhonda Sparks) “How about when you first get to the hospital, and you're fixing to receive those organs, how about you just take the time to write a letter about how you're feeling right now? You're fixing to be given a second chance at life.”

The Sparks say Kali was always championing a cause, and this is their way of carrying on her legacy.

(Rhonda Sparks) “I feel like I have a purpose there. I know he does, and he speaks well, and knows how to write and get some of that stuff going. We're going to give Kali a voice in a lot of different ways.”
(Michael Sparks) I think, just trying to keep her goals alive, in a way are keeping me alive.”

If you'd like to nominate someone to be the Arkansan of the Week, send an e-mail to scottinman@katv.com.

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