ROY — The Kraaima family celebrated a birthday this weekend for a boy they never met in this life but have come to love.

Included in a collage of family pictures on the Kraaimas’ living room wall hangs a photo of 10-year-old Tyce Olsen on the motocross bike he dearly loved.

Had Tyce not died while speeding to the finish line on that motorcycle, he would have turned 13 years old on Friday, Nov. 4.

Evan Kraaima might not be a typical 13-year-old today either if Tyce hadn’t died two years ago. Tyce’s parents donated his organs, which allowed Evan to receive the liver he desperately needed.

“We think about how lucky we are,” said Neil Kraaima, Evan’s father. “We’re celebrating, but at the same time, someone is grieving.”

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The Kraaima family celebrated Tyce’s birthday by serving dinner at the Ronald McDonald room at Primary Children’s Medical Center.

In a meeting both parents described as “bitter, sweet,” last month, the Kraaima family got to meet the Olsens and find out about the boy whose death brought new life to their son.

Evan’s mother, Haley Kraaima, said the two families were instant friends because of the bond they share.

“They wanted nothing in return,” Haley Kraaima said. “They just wanted other people to live a healthy life.”

The Kraaima family learned that their son’s donor had accomplished a lot for a 10-year-old. He won many titles and trophies in his beloved sport and was expected to make it into professional motocross racing at a young age.

Photo supplied/ Breann Olsen

While Tyce was showing his great athleticism at the Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Evan was spending the larger part of his days in Roy laying on the family couch.

“For him, bad health was the norm,” said Neil Kraaima, remembering how his son spent much time on the family couch.

“All of the things other kids did, he couldn’t do,” he said.

Now, his mother said she has a difficult time getting him to come in from outside, especially from riding his longboard.

“The sky is the limit for him,” Haley Kraaima said. “I wouldn’t hold back on anything he wants to play; before, I was holding him back.”

Since his transplant, Evan has gone on two 25-mile bike rides and completed two 5K races with his dad. Haley Kraaima also believes the transplant also will allow Evan to realize his dream of one day enlisting in the United States Air Force.

“He’s always wanted to serve his country,” Haley Kraaima said. “I don’t know if that would have been possible before. … This has made it so Evan can realize his dream.”

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Evan was born with dysfunctional liver bile ducts, technically called liver portal hypertension. His mother said they were unaware of his condition initially. But they and doctors became concerned when his skin remained yellow from Jaundice for several months after he was born and the condition worsened over time.

Haley Kraaima said when Evan was diagnosed at Primary Children’s Medical Center, the family opted for young Evan to have Kasai surgery where his intestines were attached directly to his liver. Generally, the procedure is only effective for one to two years, Haley Kraaima said, noting that the family felt lucky to have it last for 10 years for her son.

For a few years, including when he was 10, Evan was on a downward health cycle.

That’s when Evan was cleared to be put on an organ waiting list. Evan had only been on the waiting list for a few months when Tyce died and was discovered to have the same blood type as Evan.

“It’s just a miracle that happened,” Neil Kraaima said. “It’s something we wanted for a long time. You just never know when or if it’s going to happen.”

Neil Kraaima said his family wishes to “do all we can to honor the donor in every way we can.”

He said the family wants to be ambassadors for organ donation any time they can.

Alex McDonald, director of public education and public relations for Intermountain Donor Services, said those who want to register as an organ donor may register online at yesutah.org or call 1-866-YES-UTAH for questions.

McDonald said organ donation registration helps in saving lives in times of crisis.

He said one donor can save up to nine lives and that people as old as 80 can be donors.

“Corneas have no upper age limit,” he said. McDonald also named other conditions some believe would rule out their ability to donate their organs. He said past cancer, diabetes and hepatitis do not rule out donation.

He said if a person is listed with a “no” on their driver license and they don’t want to change their license, their online registration will take precedence.

To follow Tyce and Evan’s story, visit Evan’s Facebook page, Awesome Evan.

You can reach reporter JaNae Francis at 801-625-4228. Follow her on Twitter at @JaNaeFrancisSE or like her on Facebook.