Codie Stevenson, 18, of Butler, speaks with, from left, Melissa Muto, of Butler, and Rose Bergbigler, while attending a benefit in his honor Sunday at the Butler American Legion Post 117. Stevenson fell ill in October and needed both heart and liver transplants. Nathan Bottiger/Butler Eagle

People smiled as an 18-year-old man moved from hug to hug Sunday at a spaghetti dinner in his honor at the Butler American Legion Post 117.

Three weeks ago Codie Stevenson, a 2020 Butler High School graduate and an active member of the U.S. Navy, had transplants for his heart and liver. He has had two cardiac biopsies since, showing no signs of rejection.

“The organs are doing great, and I feel amazing,” Stevenson said.

Karissa Scarmack, his mother, held emotion in her voice as she talked, particularly about her appreciation for all whom have supported her son.

“Everybody here is the reason he never lost hope,” Scarmack said.

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