While trick-or-treating with friends, Dylan Skalina suffered an aneurysm and later died. Because he is an organ donor, however, he could save more than 300 lives.
PHOENIX — A North Phoenix family is mourning the loss of 12-year-old Dylan Skalina, who died after suffering a fatal brain aneurysm on Halloween night—but even in their grief, they are finding ways to give others hope.
Dylan had just finished trick-or-treating with friends on Friday when he suddenly collapsed. He was rushed to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where doctors discovered a devastating brain bleed. Despite their efforts, Dylan died on Nov. 1.
“He was so loved,” his mother, Megan, said. “I knew we were loved, but I didn’t realize how strong of a bond he had with all of his friends.”
Friends and classmates visited Dylan’s bedside in his final hours to say goodbye to the boy many describe as kind, selfless, and full of joy.
Dylan lived with Type 1 diabetes and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that also affects his sisters, Alexis and Kaylie. The family believes the condition caused Dylan’s muscles to hyperextend inside his brain, triggering the fatal aneurysm.
“My legs hurt because of Ehlers-Danlos, like my muscles hyperextend. If my muscles hyperextend, I can’t move my leg for like a minute until they go back,” Alexis said. “It’s a thing that you have to live with every day.”
Though their loss is unimaginable, the Skalina family is finding strength in knowing that Dylan’s life will continue to make a difference.
His pancreas will be used for diabetes research, a cause he cared deeply about, and his organs and tissues will be donated to help others. Doctors estimate his gift could save or improve the lives of more than 300 people.
“He used to joke that he had a ‘bum pancreas,’” his mother recalled. “But now they can use it to help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes—one of his biggest goals in life.”
Tuesday morning at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, staff and family members will hold an Honor Walk for Dylan: a solemn tribute to organ donors who give the gift of life to others.
“It’s so important to him,” Megan said. “I know he’s watching and realizes how many people he’s going to help.”
Through Dylan’s selflessness, his family hopes others will learn about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, organ donation, and the power of one young life to change so many others.