Family remembers mom of 3 as ‘rainbow’ after death from brain bleed

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (KVLY/Gray News) - The family of a Minnesota mother of three has found hope after her death in knowing she gave the gift of life to four other people through organ donation.

Robin Nelson, a preschool teacher and single mother of three, died unexpectedly in March. At 34 years old, she was in her second year with the Boys & Girls Club in Detroit Lakes when a headache turned deadly, KVLY reports.

Nelson’s parents, Angie and Ken Elaleu, visited their daughter’s former classroom Wednesday morning. About a month after her death, they are still in shock.

“You can see splashes of Robin everywhere in here,” Angie Elaleu said. “Robin’s rainbows are the kids, her little students. Robin was like a rainbow.”

Nelson suffered a brain bleed March 17 and died three days later, according to a fundraiser set up for her family. The cause of the bleed is still unclear.

“When they did the CT scan, it showed a massive brain bleed,” Angie Elaleu said. “The doctor said, ‘Your daughter is very sick, and we need to get her to Fargo as soon as possible.’ We lost her. It was totally unexpected.”

Nelson left behind three children, ages 13, 10 and 6, according to the fundraiser. They are with family now, trying to get used to life without their mother.

What gives Nelson’s family hope is knowing someday, they will all be together again, and in her death, many others were given life. The 34-year-old was an organ donor and will be remembered for taking care of others, even in her final moments on earth.

“She saved a 21-year-old gentleman with her heart, pancreas and liver,” her mother said. “Two other gentlemen each got one of her kidneys, and a 59-year-old man got her lungs.”

Nelson’s funeral was held at the Boys & Girls Club, where several of her students spoke. The family is now looking to buy a headstone.

Those who would like to donate may do so by clicking here.

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