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

Compassionate Teenager Saves Lives by Providing the Gift of Second Chances

Ozzy “Zak” Perry overcame six years of abuse and three years in foster care before finding a loving home through adoption, says his mother, Jessica Perry. “Despite being told he would never progress beyond the developmental level of a 5-year-old, he defied those expectations. By the age of 14, Zak was testing at approximately an 8-year-old level. His greatest transformation was from survivor to giver. Zak generously used his allowance to buy gifts for others, extra snacks for friends and toys for children. He cherished life's simple moments—snuggling with Mommy, spending quality time with Daddy.”

Four months ago, 14-year-old Zak tragically passed away after taking his own life. Despite this heartbreaking loss, he left an enduring legacy by saving the lives of seven patients through the donation of his heart, liver, intestines, both lungs and both kidneys. Additionally, Zak’s tissue donation was utilized to enhance and save countless lives.

“Right now, we’re still grieving our son,” shares Perry. “But knowing Zak helped others even in the end makes me happy because I know it would’ve made him happy.”

The family strongly supports donation and is encouraging friends and family to register to be donors. Perry adds, “By donating life-saving organs and tissue, your loved one can help prevent another family from sitting where you are, experiencing the pain you’re experiencing.”

Inspiring Future Healthcare Professionals:
LifeGift Hosts CompassRN Students

On July 30th, LifeGift’s Institute for the Future of Transplantation (LIFT) team hosted a hands-on workshop for 14 CompassRN students. CompassRN, a Houston-based, nurse-led nonprofit, is dedicated to guiding teens and young adults from underserved communities into nursing careers. This half-day training introduced students to essential skills and knowledge required for performing physical assessments on organ donors.

Students were welcomed to the classroom by LifeGift’s Yolanda Becker, MD, FACS, FAST, CTBS, chief medical officer. The workshop featured three interactive training stations, each led by LifeGift’s expert facilitators:

ICU Scenario – Providing a real-world experience of donor management.
Auscultation Station – Teaching students how to assess heart and lung sounds.
Kidney Wet Lab – Offering a closer look at kidney function and recovery procedures.

LifeGift facilitators included Manuel Calderon, M. Ed, CPTD, director of LIFT; Rodney Cruz, RRT, CPTC, manager of the LIFT Simulation Center; Sergio Ibarra, MD, senior director of organ clinical operations, SE; Susana Muchado, CST, CTP, LIFT SIM educator; Chassidity McDonald, CST, CTP, surgical recovery & staff development trainer and R. Patrick Wood, MD, FACS, former chief medical officer and volunteer.

“Our team was thrilled to provide this interactive experience for the CompassRN students,” says Cruz. “They were eager to learn, engaged in every activity and asked great questions.”

“It was a privilege to collaborate with LifeGift and introduce students to the world of organ donation,” shares Renée Omoyeni, MS, BSN, RN, CompassRN founder and executive director. “Our goal is to provide aspiring healthcare professionals with early exposure to diverse nursing specialties. Our LifeGift partnership provides invaluable insights into careers in organ donation and transplantation.”

The LIFT SIM Center team is excited to share its training initiatives to other organizations, reinforcing LifeGift’s commitment to enhancing education and strengthening the skills of future healthcare professionals.

Empowering Students, Honoring Community: LifeGift’s Backpack Drive Makes an Impact

On July 31st, LifeGift team members and volunteers held its Back-to-School Backpack Drive supporting students and families across its service regions. Led by LifeGift’s Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC), the initiative equipped more than 500 students with school supplies just in time for the new school year. This initiative reflected LifeGift’s broader commitment to uplifting communities through service and outreach.

Backpacks were distributed to students and families at LifeGift’s campus in Houston. The west region's drive benefited the Children’s Home of Lubbock, and the north region supported the Southwest Community Center.

"Our second Backpack Drive was an incredible success. Every community we serve deserves to see LifeGift as a neighbor, not just an organization that arrives at a difficult moment. Our committee’s work is making that true," says Shante’ Wells, MHA, LifeGift’s senior director of donation systems and MAC co-chair. “With the support of our MAC team members, hospital partners and community organizations, we were able to provide just over 500 backpacks filled with school supplies to students across our service areas.”

LifeGift welcomed support from hospital partners, community members, local businesses and LifeGift team members who donated backpacks, lunch boxes, school supplies and funds to expand the drive’s reach. The success of the event highlighted the power of collective action and underscored LifeGift’s ongoing dedication to building stronger, more inclusive communities. The MAC’s work continues annually through the Summer Survival Food Drive and Back to School Drive.

To view LifeGift’s Backpack Drive photo album, click here.

LifeGift Hosts Second Annual HopeFest to Celebrate Donor Heroes and Raise Awareness

LifeGift hosted its second annual HopeFest on Saturday, August 8th, at the Texas Tech University recreational softball fields. The family-friendly event brought together the Lubbock community to honor organ, eye and tissue donors while raising awareness about the thousands still waiting for a life-saving transplant. From heartfelt moments to fun activities, HopeFest offered a space for remembrance, celebration and education.

The highlight of the event was attendees cheering on teams during an exciting softball tournament, with awards presented for the Tournament Champion, Best Team Name and Best Team Uniform. Surrounding the field, participants enjoyed local vendors, face painting, music from a DJ and as well as celebrating our first responders including Covenant Children's Hospital Ambulance Service, Lubbock Police Department, Texas Tech Police Department, Lubbock Fire Department and Lubbock Ambulance Service. HopeFest also featured a HopeSpot selfie station. These activities, paired with opportunities to interact and learn, created a special experience for participants of all ages.

One of the most touching elements of HopeFest was the Honor Path, a walkway dedicated to the memory of donor heroes. Families were encouraged to bring photos and mementos to create personalized signs honoring their loved ones. Materials were provided and signs could also be crafted in advance where participants could upload photos and select favorite songs for their loved ones’ tribute.

“Our second annual HopeFest was such a meaningful day. We came together to celebrate the heroes who gave the gift of life while showing our support for those who are still waiting,” says Barbara VerWey, LifeGift community engagement specialist. “It was a beautiful event filled with hope, healing and connection, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came out and helped make HopeFest such a special success!”

With a mix of remembrance, education and community spirit, HopeFest is on its way of becoming a cherished annual tradition in West Texas.

To view photo album, click here.

LifeGift’s second annual HopeFest was featured extensively in the media:

KCBD, Celebrating the Gift of Life: LifeGift’s 2nd Annual HopeFest Comes to West Texas

KCBD, LifeGift Hosts 2nd Annual HopeFest, a Celebration of Life, Love and Community

KLBK, 2nd Annual HopeFest 2026 Honoring Organ Donors

KCBD, LifeGift Hosting 2nd Annual HopeFest

MSN, 2nd Annual HopeFest 2026 Honoring Organ Donors

Fox34, Celebrating the Gift of Life

MSN, HopeFest: Lubbock Raises Organ Donor Awareness

LifeGift CMO Dispels Organ Donation Myths

LifeGift CMO and vice president Yolanda Becker, MD recently joined Houston Public Media’s Ernie Manouse for a conversation on the midday talk show Hello Houston. The 88.7 FM program highlights stories that matter to Houstonians, featuring local news, cultural events, community voices and the everyday experiences that shape the city.

During the interview, listeners learned more about LifeGift’s mission and the organization’s role in facilitating organ, eye and tissue donation across Texas. Dr. Becker also addressed common misconceptions about donation and shared important facts to help educate the community and dispel myths.

To watch the Houston Public Media 88.7 FM interview, click here. (interview begins at timestamp 1:46:00)

LifeGift Event Sponsorship Opportunities

Help us make LifeGift's 2026 events a success! To view sponsorship opportunities
for upcoming events, 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 Amarillo, Fort Worth, Houston and Lubbock. Please email us at communications@lifegift.org with any questions or support needs!