Aimee Cordrey
Aimee Cordrey has always believed in giving what she could to help others. For years, that meant rolling up her sleeve as a proud, longtime Hoxworth blood donor. But today, her commitment carries a much deeper meaning; one shaped by the life and legacy of her youngest son, Nicholas, a boy she still speaks of in the present tense because, as she says, “he is an amazing kid.”
When Nicholas died suddenly in 2020, Aimee and her husband were looking for a way to honor Nicholas and celebrate his upcoming birthday. That’s when the Nicholas Cordrey Memorial Blood Drive started. Read more or watch Aimee share her story to see how she transforms profound loss into a powerful source of inspiration for others.
From the moment Nicholas arrived weighing nine pounds, fifteen ounces, Aimee knew he was special. By three, he was announcing plans to become president; by four, he confidently told his parents that one day everyone would know his name. An old soul with a love for geography, politics, volunteering, and challenging his dad at Jeopardy, Nicholas was the kind of kid who was wise beyond his years. He loved fiercely, never met a stranger, and wanted the world around him to feel as bright as he did.
That spirit continued as he grew. Through sports, through school at Taylor High School, and through the thoughtful, funny, deeply intentional way he approached life. And it was that same thoughtfulness that led him, at just 15, to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor. After researching the decision on his own, polling his family and weighing the facts, Nicholas proudly chose yes, saying, “Only one percent of us die in a way that can actually donate our organs. If I can, I want to.”
Nicholas’s death was sudden and unimaginable. He suffered a life ending brain aneurysm before he turned 16. A moment that forever altered Aimee’s world. In an instant, the bright, charismatic teenager who dreamed big and loved deeply was gone. Yet even in that heartbreak, Nicholas lived up to the choice he had made just months earlier. Because he had registered as an organ, eye, and tissue donor, he went on to save and heal dozens of lives across the country. It was his final, powerful act of generosity.
Not only had Nicholas registered to be an organ donor, he also made a bucket list with 10 things he wanted to do in his life. Things like fly in an airplane, see how Sunny D is made, and get a degree. He achieved goal number seven on his self-made bucket list: Save a Life. It was the only goal that he accomplished when his life was cut far too short. But arguably it was the most profound of all those he pondered at the young age of 15.
Today, Aimee shares his story through her annual Hoxworth blood drive, an act of service she hopes will keep Nicholas’s name, heart, and impact alive in the Greater Cincinnati community.
The Nichlas R. Cordrey Foundation is also a way to remember Nicholas and help others. The foundation sponsors an academic scholarship, encourages people to research organ donation or sign up to be organ donors, and much more.
You know Nick said when he was four, everyone is going to know his name. He can’t do that so I’ll help him do that.
Aimee Cordrey
Through every donor and every life touched at local hospitals, Aimee reminds people not only of her son’s generosity but of the power each of us has to save others.
“We started hosting because we were looking for a way to celebrate our son’s birthday who’s no longer here. How do you do that and honor him? You hold a blood drive! We’re not seeking anything other than for him to be remembered. We also encourage people to consider being an organ donor through Network for Hope.”
In 2025, the blood drive will celebrate its 5th year of honoring Nicholas and helping save more lives. A bucket list item we can all strive to accomplish. It will also be the week of Nicholas’ 21st birthday. A huge milestone that will be celebrated and not forgotten.
Nicholas Cordrey Memorial Blood Drive
You can help keep Nicholas’ legacy alive by attending his memorial blood drive. It is Friday, December 19 from 11am – 5pm. You are also asked to bring a new hoodie, for kids of all ages. All donors will receive the Hoxworth Hero Backpack. Schedule your donation today.
