OXFORD, Mich. – The family of Justin Shilling is still grieving, but they are working to honor his legacy.
Justin was killed in the Oxford High School shooting. His decision to be an organ donor saved the lives of six people.
Jill Soave, his mother, revealed new details on the foundation she is starting in his honor.
The Forever Justin Shilling Foundation is a nonprofit established to continue Justin’s desire to save the planet.
“It’s focused on conservation and the environment,” Soave said. “He cared about the environment as much as he cared about others.”
The sole purpose of the foundation is to show people the gems and jewels of Michigan’s great outdoors, to spread the mission of care and conservation.
Soave was inspired by the lives her son’s donated organs saved.
“This isn’t just for me to have extra time,” Soave recalled. " He’s saving people’s lives and that’s when I shifted and understood the magnitude of his gifts.”
Related: Justin Shilling’s mother talks about his life, death, decision to donate organs
And the magnitude continues, not just by saving human lives, but by working to save the life of a fragile planet, as well. And as much as Justin’s name and good deeds continue to do good to override the evil that stole him, this is also a bit of healing for those he left behind.
The nonprofit is hosting an event on June 8. It’s the first big kick-off for the new effort in his name. You can find more information here.