LifeGift Feel Good Fridays: Because of You, Hope Lives On

LifeGift Team Member Spotlight: Tammy Six, Manager of Organ Clinical Operations

LifeGift is honored to fulfill the decision of people in our community to save lives through organ and tissue donation. LifeGift manager of organ clinical operations Tammy Six is responsible for the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of clinical organ operations in the southeast region. This includes an effective and efficient organ recovery process, quality process management, team member management, accounting and fiscal management and conversion of potential donors to actual donors.

A LifeGift team member for four years, Tammy collaborates closely with her colleagues and hospital partners. “I work closely with LifeGift’s clinical team onsite, supporting donors and collaborating on care plans to maximize each donation and save more lives,” says Tammy. “I also partner with department leaders to streamline the donation process.”

Tammy shares that witnessing the miracle of donation and transplantation had influenced her decision to join LifeGift. “My oldest brother was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 12 and needed a kidney transplant. Sadly, his body rejected the organ, and he passed away—but his journey left a lasting impact on me. Years later, a friend’s daughter was born with a congenital heart defect and was placed on the transplant list at just 18 months old. Her family was granted an extra year with her before she passed.”

“Working for LifeGift has deepened my appreciation for each day,” adds Tammy. “We support donors and their families during some of the most difficult and unexpected moments of their lives. Hearing about our outcomes and the stories of transplant recipients through our “Connect to Purpose” videos gives me the motivation to continue this meaningful work.”

EMPOWERING FUTURES
LifeGift Joins Morales Memorial Foundation’s College and Career Day

On Saturday, March 28th, LifeGift had the honor of taking part in the Morales Memorial Foundation’s College and Career Day at the Harris County Department of Education in east downtown Houston. The event, hosted in partnership with State Representative Christina Morales, brought together sponsors, vendors and community leaders dedicated to supporting students and families.

This annual gathering featured more than 25 vendors, offering attendees insights into various college and career pathways. Beyond informative discussions, the event included interactive activities, refreshments, music from a DJ and exciting raffles, including laptops, printers and two e-scooters.

Representing LifeGift, Steve Stasny, public relations specialist, Windsor Liu, HR – talent acquisition and Ryan Connor, Ambassador of Hope volunteer, engaged with attendees at the LifeGift resource table. “We had the chance to educate participants about LifeGift’s mission to bring hope to the thousands in Texas and beyond who are awaiting life-saving organ and tissue transplants,” Liu shares. “It was also a valuable opportunity to introduce LifeGift career options to the community.”

Stasny adds, “Most attendees were families who visited our registration table to learn more about LifeGift and the impact of donation. Some attendees also expressed interest in our Ambassadors of Hope volunteer program.”

LifeGift looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Morales Memorial Foundation, working together to promote organ donation awareness and save lives.

A Legacy of Life: One Houston Teen’s Gift Saves Five

During National Donate Life Month, a Houston mother is honoring her daughter’s life by sharing how a heartbreaking loss became a lasting source of hope. Danielle Turner’s 13-year-old daughter, Jayla Celestine, was a vibrant and athletic teen who tragically suffered a brain aneurysm in 2020. In the midst of overwhelming grief, Danielle made the courageous decision to donate Jayla’s organs—an act she says reflected the selfless way her daughter lived every day. Despite the emotional difficulty of the moment, she knew Jayla would have wanted to help others, turning tragedy into a powerful legacy.

Through organ donation, Jayla saved five lives, with her heart, liver, lungs and kidneys giving others a second chance. LifeGift’s Lauren Quinn, VP of external relations, emphasizes the far-reaching impact of donation, noting how one person’s gift can create a ripple effect across families and communities. Inspired by Jayla’s legacy, Danielle and her family have since registered as donors themselves, ensuring their wishes are known. Today, Danielle finds comfort in knowing her daughter’s life continues to make a difference, proving that even in loss, hope can endure.

To watch the entire CW39 news broadcast, click here.

Advancing Organ Donation and Transplantation: Insights from The Alliance’s National Collaboration Forum in Orlando

The Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance hosted a three-day program on March 25-27 in Orlando, Fla., dedicated to maximizing outcomes and strengthening partnerships in the field. The conference, titled “Transplantation & Donation Management,” provided educational programming focused on financial and operational strategies that advance both organizational performance and patient-centered outcomes.

The forum brought together transplant administrators, financial coordinators, quality professionals, OPO and hospital leaders, regulatory representatives and allied healthcare organizations. Through expert-led sessions, collaborative dialogue and case-based learning, participants examined how to navigate evolving regulatory changes while maintaining mission-driven values. Presented in collaboration with AOPO, ASTS, AST, Gift of Life Institute and the Alliance, the event fostered a multidisciplinary approach to addressing key challenges in the field.

LifeGift presenters included Kristine Browning, RN, VP of quality and regulatory compliance, “Beyond Compliance: Building a Culture of Trust” and Jessica Kirkendall, MSHA, BSRN, senior director of organ clinical operations - west region, “Challenges of DCD Acceptance & Rapid Placement of Organs.”

LifeGift extends its gratitude to The Alliance for hosting this transformative event, which united top industry experts to refine donation and transplantation practices. Through collaborative efforts, the forum reinforced a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes and offering more second chances to those awaiting the gift of life.

A Century of Service Continues Through Life-Saving Organ Donation

A 100-year-old World War II veteran from Nebraska has become the oldest organ donor in the United States after his liver was successfully transplanted to save another person’s life. Dale Steele died on Feb. 11 after suffering a head injury and being placed on life support. Although his family was initially surprised that donation was possible at his age, physicians explained that the liver continually regenerates cells throughout a person’s lifetime. After his passing, Steele’s liver was recovered and transplanted the next day, and the recipient was discharged from the hospital just five days later.

Steele’s family says the decision to donate reflected the generosity and service that defined his life. Born in 1925, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later spent decades working in agriculture and supporting his community. His family believes his strong work ethic and healthy lifestyle contributed to his longevity. By choosing donation, they say Steele’s legacy of helping others continues, offering a powerful reminder that organ donation can save lives at any age.

To read the full article as featured in MedBound Times, click here.

LifeGift’s Summer Survival Kit Food Drive

LifeGift is extending its mission of offering more hope beyond organ and tissue donation through its upcoming Summer Survival Kit Food Drive—an initiative designed to support families with school-aged children and community members facing food insecurity. By addressing an immediate and essential need, LifeGift continues to strengthen its connection to the communities it serves while reinforcing the life-saving importance of donor registration.

At the heart of this effort is LifeGift’s Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC), whose leadership and outreach help ensure the initiative reaches diverse communities across the region. Through culturally responsive engagement and education, MAC plays a vital role in building trust, raising awareness and encouraging conversations about organ donation. The food drive not only provides much needed help but also serves as a meaningful opportunity to connect with individuals about how registering as a donor can offer hope to those waiting for a transplant.

The Summer Survival Kit Food distribution will take place on May 15th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at LifeGift’s Houston campus. In addition to receiving food, community members are encouraged to contribute by donating non-perishable items during the event. For more information, contact vfielder@lifegift.org, call 713.523.4438, use the registration link or scan the QR code. Through this initiative, LifeGift continues to demonstrate that offering hope can take many forms—whether through the gift of life or by supporting neighbors in times of need.

LifeGift is proud to collaborate with our hospital and transplant center partners to advance organ, eye and tissue donation, bringing hope to the communities we serve in Amarillo, Fort Worth, Houston and Lubbock. Please email us at communications@lifegift.org with any questions or support needs!