Former Dexter Student Donates Brain to Research at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital

Mill Creek Middle School student Laurence Carolin was honored in grand fashion on Wednesday during a fitting tribute at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor.

The hospital unveiled an autographed electric guitar signed by the rock group U2 on permanent display on the third floor of the hospital to honor Laurence -- the first youth to donate his brain to the university's research program.

Laurence, 15, died in 2010 following a lengthy battle with a rare form of brain cancer.

Lisa Carolin, Laurence's mother, said prior to his death her son spent countless hours crusading to eradicate poverty.

“Laurence had the Make-A-Wish Foundation donate money to the United Nations Foundation, which works with ONE.org – a grassroots advocacy and campaigning organization that fights extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa,” she said.

ONE.org was co-founded by Bono of U2, whose music inspired Laurence, throughout his battle against cancer, to think outside of himself.

The band learned about Laurence's efforts and signed his guitar after a concert in fall 2009 at Soldier Field in Chicago. It will remain on permanent display at Mott.

Lisa Carolin said Laurence's legacy continues at Dexter High School through a student branch of the One organization.

Students create posters and sell bracelets to raise awareness for poverty, malaria and HIV and AIDS in Africa.

Each year, students from Mill Creek Middle School participate in an essay contest in hopes of winning a $500 scholarship that can be used to donate to charity, for college or both. Contest participants are asked how they would make a difference in the world, and the essay that most represents Laurence is chosen.

Read the complete story about the new hospital display on the Detroit Free Press website.