Even in death, these two still giving back

NORWALK — It was a bittersweet day Friday for members of the Dylan Flew and Cody Stebel families. The two Norwalk High School graduates both died in vehicular crashes, but both were able to give back to save others by donating their organs. Flew's organs saved five lives, while Stebel's organs saved three. Eight lives takes a little sting out of the pain. And there are many others who have benefitted from the organ donations. "Cody's heart recipient (Gene Shimandle) is actually watching on Messenger Facebook ... he is biking through Florida at the moment with his new heart," Kathi Flew said. "Dylan saved five lives through organ donation, three of whom we have met. Advocating for organ donation is wonderful therapy for our families. There are so many things that are possible." Cody Stebel, son of Valerie and David, of Norwalk, died on May 3, 2017, in a car crash at Strecker and Ransom roads It's been a tough six years for the parents of the 2015 NHS grad. "That's all you can do (take life one day at a time)," Valerie said. "You have your good days and bad days." This was a good day as friends and family gathered in front of Norwalk City Hall for the raising of a Donate Life flag and a proclamation from Norwalk Mayor Dave Light. Dylan Flew, a 2003 NHS graduate, is the son of Kathi and Russ Flew, of Norwalk. Dylan died in a 2006 motorcycle accident. "It's all worth it," Kathi said about the organ donation family. "Just the people we have met through organ donations makes it all worthwhile." Light proclaimed April as National Donate Life Month in Norwalk. "I encourage all Americans to donate the gift of life at the time of their death if possible through organ, eye and tissue donation," he said.