Welcome to Pathlight — a place of connection, compassion and reflection from LifeGift.

Here, we share supportive resources, important updates and stories that honor donors, recipients and

the enduring legacies that bring hope to so many. We are grateful to walk alongside you and to

share voices of hope, remembrance and healing within this community. 

Start the Year with Purpose: Inspire Hope as a LifeGift Volunteer

As we welcome a new year, there’s no better time to focus on making a positive impact that changes lives forever. Volunteering with LifeGift is a meaningful way to give your time, share your compassion and bring hope to those in need. At the heart of our outreach efforts are our LifeGift Ambassadors of Hope (AOH) volunteers, whose personal stories of organ donation and transplantation inspire and empower communities. From nurses and physicians to donor families and transplant recipients, every volunteer plays a vital role in fostering hope and healing across our three regions.

Becoming an Ambassador of Hope is more than just a volunteer opportunity; it’s a chance to create ripple effects of positivity. Through speaking engagements, community events and media outreach, Ambassadors share their journeys, advocating for the life-saving power of organ, eye and tissue donation. For donor families, the program offers a path to healing, as they honor their loved ones’ legacy by sharing how their generosity gave others a second chance at life. Whether you're a healthcare professional, student or someone passionate about making a difference, joining the AOH program is your opportunity to spark change in the new year.



Ready to take the first step? Simply register online, complete the orientation and start transforming lives today!

Amarillo High School SODA Chapter Wins 2025 Texas Campus Challenge Award

The SODA (Student Organ Donation Advocates) chapter at Amarillo High School in Amarillo, Texas has been named the 2025 recipient of SODA’s Texas Campus Challenge Award. Competing against nearly a dozen SODA chapters statewide, the Amarillo High team—located within LifeGift’s service region—earned the highest point total in Texas. Their exceptional leadership, enthusiasm and dedication to advancing education about organ, eye and tissue donation distinguished them as the top-performing SODA chapter in the state.

This recognition comes during a year of significant national growth and impact for SODA. In 2025, the program expanded to more than 130 chapters nationwide, with students educating over 108,000 people and registering 4,753 new donors across campuses. As the Texas award winner, Amarillo High School will receive a grand-sized Sugarwish snack box, a trophy from SODA National and a plaque from award sponsor Donate Life Texas—honoring the chapter’s outstanding commitment to peer education, community outreach and donor registration.

Celebrating Life and Resilience: The 2026 Transplant Games of America

The 2026 Transplant Games of America will take place in Denver, Colorado, June 18–23, bringing together athletes, donors and supporters from across the nation to celebrate the life-saving power of organ transplantation. This biennial event showcases the strength, determination and resilience of transplant recipients and living donors through a wide range of athletic competitions that honor life after transplant.



More than a sporting event, the Transplant Games unite transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, individuals on the waiting list, caregivers and transplant professionals in a powerful display of community and hope. The weeklong celebration will feature thousands of athletes competing in 20 sports and more than 60 special events, alongside international guest teams and over 40 domestic teams. Together, the Games highlight the extraordinary possibilities made possible through donation and reinforce the ongoing need for organ donors. To learn more, click here.

Lauresa M. Garnett, BA

Family Engagement Specialist

Lauresa serves as a compassionate guide for potential donor families—offering information, comfort and understanding throughout the organ, eye and tissue donation process. She collaborates closely with healthcare teams to ensure thoughtful, well-coordinated discussions about donation.

What originally drew you to LifeGift?

I was drawn to LifeGift because my family and loved ones are organ and tissue donors, but what truly resonated with me was the family engagement specialist role. Knowing I can help change someone’s life—by supporting families through their grief or helping make life-saving transplants possible—brings me a deep sense of purpose and joy.

What is your proudest moment at LifeGift?

Becoming LifeGift’s first family engagement specialist in the Fort Worth region.

What do you like to do when you’re not at the office?

Hanging out with family and friends, shopping and traveling.

What are five words (or more) of advice for others in your profession?

My advice is to be patient, empathic, understanding, compassionate and to have great listening skills. It's important to remember that people express their pain in many ways.

Who or what inspires you?

I’m inspired by my faith and by the many people who have shaped my life, including my parents, God-sister, daughters, aunts, professors, mentors and friends.



Tell us something that may surprise us about you.



People are often surprised to learn that I majored in drama in high school and performed in several plays, taking on leading roles in both acting and singing.

Pre to Post Transplant Podcast

This is a podcast that brings personal stories from transplant survivors, their families, friends and loved ones. You will hear challenges and triumphs of everyone involved in this journey. Guests offer wisdom, advice and inspiration on everything related to transplant.

Lung transplant recipient, LifeGift Ambassador of Hope and host Jenny McFarlane created this podcast for people in the transplant world with the hope of inspiring and educating others. 

Listen to the podcast here.

Use your everyday influence to promote organ, eye and tissue donation.

Join us as an Ambassador of Hope. Here at LifeGift, we offer hope to donor families, transplant recipients and those waiting for lifesaving transplants. Ambassadors of Hope extend our reach into the community by participating in speaking engagements, registry and awareness drives, community projects as well as broadcast, print and social media projects.

Click here to join the team.

LifeGift is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) health services organization. As the organ procurement organization (OPO) for North, Southeast and West Texas, we partner with more than 275 hospitals and 10 transplant centers across 109 counties to save and heal lives. LifeGift is a founding member of Donate Life Texas, the organization that manages the organ, eye and tissue donor registry.

Please visit LifeGift.org

Passionate. Compassionate. Professional.