The 5th Quarter

I was watching the news the other night after American Idol and a story came on about a movie that is opening today, March 25th. The movie is The 5th Quarter. This is a based on a true story that happened so close to home. The movie is about a 15 year old that chose to get in a car with three other teammates after practice. The driver decided to drive rectlessly and lost control and Luke Abbate was severly hurt. After two days in the hospital he was taken off life support, after 5 of his organs were donated, 4 days before his 16th birthday. His brother later changed his football number to 5 to honor his late brother and before the 4th quarter would hold his hand up to honor his brother. Later teammates, fans, even the other team would all hold their hand up for Luke. They eventually called the 4th quarter, the 5th quarter.

I dont know why I feel so compeled about this story but it touches my heart. Maybe because its here in North Georgia or what but I was crying the other night just watching Lukes parents talk about touching the heart of their son through one of his donor recipents. Its such an inspiring story and I for one, can not wait to go see it.

His family now has started the Luke Abbate 5th Quarter Foundation to educate teen drivers about the consequences of reckless driving.