Paddle Out for my Son James, only 18

[PAL]

Many of you have heard the news. For those who haven't, my wife and I lost our 18-year-old son James to a brain aneurysm that struck without warning about two weeks back. He was otherwise a happy and healthy young man, although he'd overcome an autism diagnosis early in his life, and gone away to college in Pomona.

We invite you to join us to celebrate the life of James Andrew Lebowitz (1994-2015), a wonderful young man who left us suddenly, but not without a lasting legacy. James gave up his heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas so that others may live, including San Diegan George Martinez, who had very little time left. For George (and others), James was a literal life saver.

James' story was documented in the San Diego Union Tribune and Western Outdoor News. Story links below.

The paddle-out will depart from La Jolla Shores in the mid-morning (tentatively 9:30 am, with the remembrance to follow around 10 am) on Monday February 23. For those who prefer, boat transport will be available, departing from and returning to Mission Bay - schedule pending.

An informal gathering with food (there will be fish!) will follow, beginning in the early afternoon. Come to one, come to both, or think of us and hug a loved one. The reception will take place rain or shine. The paddle out is weather dependent.

Please RSVP here or on our Facebook event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/6368...6/?pnref=story), and when you do, let us know if you are planning to paddle or would prefer to join us on a boat. A limited number of loaner kayaks will be available by prior arrangement for experienced paddlers.

Also please let us know if you are planning to join us later on shore, so we can arrange enough food for all.

James was thriving as a freshman computer science major at Cal Poly Pomona. In lieu of cards and flowers, please consider a donation to the scholarship fund we will endow in James' name. Contributions are tax deductible and will further computer science education in perpetuity.

Contributions should be addressed:

In remembrance of James Lebowitz
Please hold for a scholarship endowment.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Gift Processing Department
3801 West Temple Avenue Pomona, CA 91768

Keep in mind many companies will match donations to the university. The college tax ID is available at request.

James is survived by his mother Susan Lebowitz, his father Paul Lebowitz, and his sister Rachel Lebowitz.

The news stories:

https://www.wonews.com/Blog.aspx?id=...fter%20tragedy

http://m.utsandiego.com/news/2015/ja...witz-martinez/

[momo fish]

I read this in the news.. My condolence for your loss and I can't begin to imagine what your going through being a father as well. RIP.

[RobFish]

So sorry for the loss Paul.
I, as well as a few others I know, will try our best to make it.

[tamddo714]

my condolences. really sorry for your lost

[Cbad Mike]

Paul,
I read about your family losing James.
The article I read detailed the organ donor process that you went through and was both heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.
You and your family have been in my thoughts since.
And of course I'll paddle out in February because it is not everyday that I can pay tribute to a young man who saved and changed so many lives.
Mike

[Iceman]

Paul, I would move mountains to be there, my friend.

[Smthtnnr]

My deepest condolences for your loss. Amazing to think how much we take for granted and how quickly things can change. Congrats on raising what seems to be an amazing kid
Tanner

[steveooo]

I'll be there Paul

[capntim]

My sincere condolences to you and your family. I will be out of town that day but I will be thinking of you.

[ful-rac]

My condolences paul, im so sad to hear of your loss.

[619-SWIM-DOG]

My warmest condolences, peace and courage to you and your family.

[jorluivil]

Paul, my condolences on such a tragic loss. The fact that he was only 18 and donated his organs shows that he was far from selfish. Again, my condolences to you and your family.

[HBOUND808]

my condolences. Doing a paddle out on sunday for a family friend. It's never easy.

[Chuck D]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Paul, I am so sorry to hear about this.

[Cadillyak]

My condolences. A parent should never have to bury their child.

[cell128]

I'm sorry about your loss. I can't imagine the pain that you all had to go through.

[roby]

Paul, sorry to hear about the loss.

What an amazing, inspiring and deeply moving story....

[paintnfish]

Wouldn't miss it.

[kayakfisherman]

Your son, and your family will be in my family's prayers.

I will be at the paddle out. Yani

[PAL]

Thank you friends!