DENVER -- A fund to encourage people to become organ donors could be named after Emily Keyes, the 16-year-old shot by a gunman last September at Platte Canyon High School outside Bailey, Colo.

Her parents were at the state Capitol to testify in favor of continuing the fund for another ten years. She had decided to become an organ donor when she got her driver's learning permit in May, four months before the shooting.

"When donor forms were presented, that was oddly a point of clarity. We knew without hesitation what Emily wanted," Emily Keyes' mother, Ellen Keyes, said.

Her corneas were donated to a man who was able to see again because of her gift.

The donation, however, was bittersweet for the family.

"Here I am having a conversation with a man. He can see. The reason is because my daughter died, and that's a tough thing, but what an amazing gift," said John Keyes.

Sen. Peter Groff of Denver proposed naming the fund in honor of Emily. The measure will next move to the full Senate for a vote.

The fund collects voluntary donations from driver's license applicants to promote the state's donor registry.

"One organ donor can save up to eight different people. One tissue donor can enhance the lives of up to a hundred people," Robert Austin, president of the Donor Awareness Council, said.

Since the program started in 1998, the number of applicants who become organ donors has risen from 33 percent to 60 percent.

For more information on the Colorado Donor Registry click here.