A Polk County family honored a young woman’s life by giving back on her birthday.
Victoria “Tori” Smith would have turned 23 years old on Saturday, June 20.
It was her first birthday since her death after a car crash in July 2025.
In honor of her birthday, her family visited Lakeland Regional Health and donated 23 overnight bags to the trauma ICU, where Smith was treated.
They can be used by other families facing similar hardships.
The bags featured butterflies, which were Smith’s favorite symbol, and the letter V to symbolize her name.
“Although our journey is a little unique and different, we are here to honor her and continue to shine her light, Victoria’s light to those who may need help,” said Carmen Smith, Tori Smith’s mother.
Smith was an organ donor whose donation helped save multiple lives.
Her mother, Carmen, works closely with LifeLink, the organization involved in her daughter’s donation, and encourages others to register as organ donors.