LifeGift Feel Good Fridays

Celebrating 15 Years: Heart Recipient is Grateful for Donor’s Life-Saving Gift

Fifteen years ago, a remarkable journey began for Andy Benavides who received a life-saving heart transplant. As he marks this momentous anniversary, he reflects on the immense gratitude he holds for his selfless organ donor. Benavides’ story is a testament to the power of organ transplantation and the profound influence it has on the lives of both recipients and their benefactors.

On July 5, 2008, Benavides’ world was transformed when he received a heart transplant at St. Luke's Health. The transplant not only saved his life but also restored his hope and vitality. Prior to the transplant, Benavides was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a chronic condition that threatened to cut his time short. The selflessness of an organ donor became the lifeline that allowed him to experience the joy of marriage, share precious moments with family and embrace life with renewed vigor.

“This incredible gift of a heart transplant granted me an additional 10 years of cherished moments with my sister, who sadly passed away in 2018,” shares Benavides. “Thanks to this gift, I’ve been able to witness the growth of my seven nieces and nephews. Furthermore, this remarkable gift opened the door to a profound love in my life. On June 4, 2022, I had the privilege of marrying the person I deeply love.”

To read more, please click here.

Two Families Come Together as One

LifeGift and Nora’s Home were privileged to be a part of a donor family reunion between the Riggs and Garcia families. “It was an honor to be a part of this emotional meeting that joined two families together forever," says Nora's Home director of development Laurel Keller. Watching them meet, hug, talk and listen to Christian’s heartbeat will forever be engrained in our memories. It was a joy to show Christian's mother Maribel around Nora’s Home and introduce her to guests who have received a transplant. She was able to experience the instant support and compassion found within our walls from those who were given a second chance because of a donor family like hers.” Adds LifeGift aftercare coordinator Shannon Lenox - "It's always a privilege to support our families. If interested in setting up a meeting with your donor family or recipients - please contact us at aftercare@lifegift.org."

Cord Blood Awareness Month

July is National Cord Blood Awareness Month! Celebrate by spreading awareness about cord blood and its benefits. Cord blood is the term used for the blood collected from the umbilical cord and placenta when a healthy baby is born.

Cord blood is used as an alternative to bone marrow for therapeutic use in conditions of the blood, immune system and metabolic disorders. It has an important and growing role in the treatment of diseases like leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.

Cord blood is advantageous compared to allogeneic stem cell or bone marrow transplants because it comes from newborns and their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Because of its special properties, umbilical cord blood may help more people from diverse racial and ethnic communities have a second chance at life.

Parents have the option to privately store their infant's cord blood for later use if needed or donate it. They may opt to donate cord blood to a public bank for free or pay to store it for their family in a private bank.

Encourage your colleagues and communities to learn more about cord blood donation and explore cord blood donation opportunities. To learn more, 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 communications@lifegift.org with any questions or support needs!