LifeGift Feel Good Fridays

Young Man With a Huge Heart Saves Lives Through Organ Donation

Dillan McGough had a huge heart and would do anything for anyone in the world according to his mother, Mindy Pelton. “Dillan would joke around and make people laugh. Making other people happy made him happy. Dillan loved video games, sports and reading Manga books. He enjoyed writing music and jokes with dreams of someday becoming a rapper or comedian. Dillan adored and was the protector of his brothers and loved babies. He had a beautiful soul, almost childlike.”

Three months ago, 22-year-old Dillan took his own life. His mother says he was happy and smiling and making her laugh a week prior to the incident. Dillan left a lasting legacy helping to save the lives of four patients with his generous donation of his heart, liver, pancreas and two kidneys.

“I’m so proud knowing Dillan saved four lives and hope to be able to meet them one day,” says Pelton. “I couldn't think of a better way to honor Dillan's life.”

“I strongly encourage others to be donors which is such a beautiful thing,” emphasizes Pelton. “And what better legacy to leave behind than knowing you saved lives or made someone's life better. They’re able to live on because of your selfless decision.”

Changing Lives Forever Through Volunteerism

LifeGift volunteer opportunities are a meaningful way of giving your time to help those in need. LifeGift Ambassadors of Hope (AOH) volunteers are the heart and soul of our community outreach program. Our Ambassadors share their donation and recipient transplantation stories to inspire hope in our communities. We are proud to have nurses, physicians and other hospital team members as vital volunteers in all three of our regions.

Join the Ambassadors of Hope

The AOH volunteer program enables us to share our messages of hope in the communities we serve. Compassionate, passionate and professional, our Ambassadors tell their personal stories through speaking engagements, community events and the news media. The AOH program is an outlet for recipients to share their transplant journey.

LifeGift’s volunteer program also offers healing for donor families as they recover from loss and share with others how their loved ones provided another chance at life. Our volunteer program also provides a way for healthcare professionals, students and others to promote donation within their own circles of influence.

Interested in becoming an Ambassador?

It’s simple to join the team! Register to be an AOH volunteer through our online form below. You’ll then complete a new volunteer orientation, interview and background check.

If you’re interested in signing up to be an Ambassador of Hope and changing lives forever, please click here.

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 [email protected] with any questions or support needs!