Chloe Polzin’s presence was the kind that could fill a room long before she ever walked into it. She drew people in with her quiet confidence, quick wit and a smile that seemed permanently stitched with joy. Though she often described herself as shy and was most comfortable curled up with a good book, Chloe had an extraordinary gift for connection. Friends, cousins, classmates and teammates all felt valued and uplifted in her presence.
A devoted student of science, Chloe was in her third year at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, studying chemistry and playing collegiate water polo. Studying abroad allowed her to travel widely and experience the world with unfiltered wonder. She shared those adventures through photos, stories and tiny moments of delight with loved ones back home, weaving them into the fabric of her journey.
Sports were a heartbeat in Chloe’s life. A swimmer from childhood and a passionate water polo player at Deerfield High School, she became a leader both in and out of the water. Her enthusiasm was contagious and teammates fed off her energy, her confidence, her love for the game. She excelled, earning multiple honors including two All Conference awards, a place on the second All Sectional team and Academic All-American. Chloe took this seriously and served as a mentor to younger athletes who credit her with shaping their skills and spirit. But Chloe also embraced silliness. With her water polo team, she sang loudly, played “mermaids” at practice and gave unforgettable hugs. She lived honestly, gently and with wholehearted authenticity.
Chloe’s life was full; her impact even fuller.
During a weekend visit to friends over winter break, just after celebrating her 21st birthday, Chloe’s life was tragically cut short when the car she was riding in was struck at high speed by a drunk driver. Though her family faced the unbearable reality that Chloe would not be coming home, one truth brought them strength: Chloe, a registered donor since getting her driver’s license, would have the chance to save lives.
Honoring her wishes was immediate and unquestioned.
“It was a relief in the midst of heartbreak,” her family shared. “The only thing that kept us going was knowing that she was going to save lives and live on through others.”
Chloe became a hero to many.
She donated her heart, lungs, liver, both kidneys, intestines and her eyes. Twelve tissue grafts—bone, tendon, ligament—have already helped others heal. Her recipients’ identities remain unknown for now, but letters have reached her family: one from a tissue recipient; from a young woman who received the gift of sight; another from her heart recipient accompanied by a bear that plays Chloe’s heartbeat. These gestures have become cherished reminders of the lives Chloe continues to touch.
In their grief, Chloe’s family found purpose and a way to continue to honor the way she lived. They became advocates for organ and tissue donation, sharing her story, raising awareness and supporting Gift of Hope through events like a water polo tournament held at her high school and a team in the annual Community Foundation 5K Run, Walk & Roll.
They speak openly about the dignity and reverence shown to donors and their families. They share how donation has kept Chloe close, giving them something to hold onto and something to celebrate. Her mother created a binder filled with every letter and update, a living tribute to the impact Chloe continues to make.
To those uncertain about registering, her family gently offers Chloe’s example:
“It’s the last gift you can give the world as you exit it,” they say. “Sometimes a decision isn’t about you—it’s about the people you leave behind and the strangers whose lives you may save.”
Chloe lived with joy, curiosity, and a generosity of spirit that continues to ripple outward. Her story is rooted in love but lifted by legacy. It is a reminder of the profound hope that organ donation brings. Her life illuminated countless others; her gifts continue to do the same.
