Family Finds Silver Lining in Donating Young Son’s Organs


Christopher Abram was a month away from turning 15 years old when he passed away due to altered mental status, a rare brain disease.


Christopher’s mother Alicia Ebarb says it was important to honor him as he was such a beautiful light in their family. “We made the decision to provide others with the gift of life the night before the hospital staff removed the ventilator support. We wanted Christopher’s memory to live on and help others in need!”

 

Christopher was adored by many according to his mother. "He had an exceptional sense of humor," Ebarb fondly recalls. “Christopher had an affinity for watching series like ‘The Walking Dead’ and similar shows. He enjoyed many types of foods but held a special affection for Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Christopher’s family held a special place in his heart, and he relished the moments spent together.”

 

Christopher left a lasting legacy helping to save the life of two patients on the organ waiting list. A 72-year-old female received his right kidney, and a 22-year-old female received his left kidney.

 

“I strongly support donation and urge others to register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor,” adds Ebarb. “If you're able to donate, you definitely should. It's the best gift you can provide to another person in need of a life-saving organ!”

Texas Health Fort Worth Wins 2nd Chance Run's Largest Hospital Team Award


The Fort Worth 2nd Chance Run results are in! Thanks to all of our participants, sponsors, donor families and volunteers.

 

LifeGift is proud to announce the Largest Hospital Team Award participant at the Fort Worth 2nd Chance Run goes to Texas Health Fort Worth! More 2nd Chance Run information and results here.

 

To view the Fort Worth 2nd Chance Run photo gallery, please click here.

 

A big thank you to all of our hospital teams for supporting LifeGift and our mission! Please view all teams here.

Donation Does Not Have to Be Scary

Every day approximately 17 people die waiting for the organ that would have given them a second chance. In the United States, a new person goes on the waiting list every 9 minutes.


When you think of organ donation, you probably think big: hearts, lungs, kidneys, etc. But tissue groups like heart valves, tendons and ligaments can also be useful. From just a single donor - up to eight lives can be saved through organ donation; 75 lives can be healed through tissue donation, and sight can be restored for two individuals.


So, what can be donated?

Organs include:

  • Heart
  • Liver
  • Kidneys (2)
  • Lungs (2)
  • Pancreas
  • Small intestine

Tissues include:

  • Corneas
  • Eyes
  • Skin
  • Bone
  • Tendons
  • Ligaments
  • Vessels
  • Heart valves

For more information about organ and tissue donation.



Becoming a registered donor is a selfless act of caring which means you agree to donate your organs, eyes and tissues to others after death. Registering puts the decision to donate in your hands since the consent you record cannot be overturned by others. It also means that your family and loved ones will have clear guidance should something sudden and tragic occur.


There are a lot of misconceptions around donation. The fact is that people of any age, race, background, ethnicity or health status can register as organ, eye and tissue donors. If you haven’t registered as a donor yet, you can register online today.

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 Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock and Amarillo. Please email us at communications@lifegift.org with any questions or support needs!


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