Located in the northern town of Bodega Bay, California is a sculpture just off of Highway 1 that is dedicated to children, but mainly inspired by the untimely death of a seven-year-old boy named Nicholas Green.

During a vacation visit to Italy in 1994, Nicholas was killed when robbers shot into his family’s car which was mistaken to belong to a jeweler.

Nicholas’ parents, Maggie and Reg Green, made a decision to donate their son’s organs that would turn a tragedy into a positive outcome.

The donated organs of Nicholas not only would benefit seven Italian recipients, but also sparked a humane rally known as l’Effetto Nicholas, the “Nicholas Effect.”

The Green family’s decision caught the attention of Italy and caused an amazing increase in organ donation levels that had been among the lowest in Europe.

Also moved by the gesture of the Green family was San Francisco sculptor Bruce Hasson, who would conceive and design a dedication to Nicholas and all children called the Children’s Bell Tower.

Located in an open field just a few steps after the parking area behind the Bodega Bay Community Center, the Children’s Bell Tower is an 18 feet high three-tier pyramid from which 140 bells hang.

Almost every bell came from the people of Italy and ranged from school bells, church bells and cow bells to name a few.

There is a special bell located at the top tier that was donated by the Marinelli Foundry in Italy, which have been making bells for a thousand years.

The bell, which was blessed by Pope John Paul II, features Nicholas’ name at the top followed by the seven recipients of his organs.

The memorial is accessible to everyone and is situated in a peaceful area where people can feel at ease and reflect.

The sounds of the bells can often be heard within the area, as it is typical for wind to travel throughout the Bodega Bay coast.

The seven Italian recipients are not famous, and they go through everyday struggles like the rest of us; but all of them felt a sense of being reborn thanks to the generosity of the Green family.

Life is very fragile, and Nicholas was taken away from this Earth way too soon; but almost 30 years later the Nicholas Effect is still going strong in both Italy and Bodega Bay.

Nicholas’ father Reg wrote a book about his son called “The Nicholas Effect: A Boy’s Gift to the World”, and is available in bookstores and Amazon.

Written by Paul Williams aka @thizzle75

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