Cade Werner

Cade was just 14 years old when he became a donor hero. He was a spunky, faith-filled, and deeply caring young boy who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Cade had a natural athletic talent and was involved in many sports, including baseball, track, basketball, and trapshooting. Despite his strong love for animals, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing—an example of the many layers of who he was.

Cade was incredibly intelligent and curious about the world. When he was younger, he dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, though his dislike of seeing animals sick eventually shifted that dream. In his final year, he spoke about how becoming an aeronautical engineer sounded intriguing. There is no doubt that whatever path Cade would have chosen, he would have succeeded. When Cade set his mind to something, he pushed forward with determination until he reached his goal.

Through the gift of organ donation, Cade saved the lives of four people, including a four-and-a-half-year-old little boy who received his heart. In honor of Cade and his incredible legacy, we founded Play4Cade to raise awareness for organ donation. Through this foundation, we have been able to accomplish many meaningful things, including purchasing a K-9 for our local Sheriff’s Department, building a track at Cade’s middle school, and awarding hundreds of scholarships—along with many other acts of service. All of this is done in honor of Cade, whose life and legacy continue to make a difference every day.