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Soccer Enthusiast Saves Lives Through Organ and Tissue Donation
Benjamin “Ben” Lirette had a deep love for soccer, was genuine and kind and a great friend to all, says his mother, Jessica Viereck. “He appreciated a good joke and had an infectious laugh that made others share in it. Ben was an artist and was also fascinated by space, the moon, sun and stars. He wanted to be a professional soccer player when he grew up and really put in the work even though his skills came so naturally.”
Nearly a year ago, 11-year-old Ben tragically passed away after suffering a stroke. Despite this heartbreaking loss, he left an enduring legacy by saving the lives of six patients through the donation of his heart, liver (two segments), intestines and two kidneys. Additionally, Ben’s tissue donation was utilized to enhance and save countless lives.
“If I'm being honest, donation was not our choice alone,” recalls Viereck. “After a heartbreaking week of learning his prognosis and trying to come to terms with it, we were approached by LifeGift with the opportunity for Ben to become a donor—and we knew instantly this was what he would have wanted. Helping others truly felt like his calling. In life, he always put others’ needs before his own, was thoughtful and felt deep sadness when others were hurting. He did whatever he could to make people smile, so our family believes we are truly honoring his wishes.”
Viereck adds, “We’re so proud of him and our decision to carry out what we believed was his will. Knowing that we could hear from his recipients, we’re grateful to see his story continue in the lives of others.”
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LifeGift Hosts Inaugural HopeFest to Celebrate Donor Heroes and Raise Awareness
LifeGift hosted its first-ever HopeFest on Saturday, August 9, 2025, 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 a spirited softball game between teams from Covenant Health System and University Medical Center. Surrounding the field, attendees enjoyed food trucks, face painting, music from a live DJ, a Matador drone display, Texas Tech’s Masked Rider and horse, Centennial Champion and the Covenant Children’s helicopter and crew. HopeFest also featured a photo booth and an on-site Vitalant mobile unit where attendees could donate blood. These activities, paired with opportunities to interact and learn, created a meaningful 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. Attendees even had the chance to join one of the softball teams to further honor donors through action and camaraderie.
“HopeFest was created to celebrate the heroes who gave the gift of life and to bring our community together in support of those still waiting,” says Barbara VerWey, LifeGift community engagement specialist. “It was a day of hope, healing and connection—and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped make our inaugural event a success!” With a mix of remembrance, education and community spirit, HopeFest is set to become a cherished annual tradition in West Texas.
LifeGift’s inaugural HopeFest was featured extensively in the media:
KCBD, LifeGift Hosting First HopeFest to Raise Organ Donation Awareness
MSN, LifeGift Honors Organ Donors at TTU Softball Fields
KLBK, HopeFest with LifeGift is Honoring Donors and Bringing Awareness to Those Waiting
FOX 34, LifeGift Honors Organ Donors at Softball Fields
Awesome 98, HopeFest Honors Donors with Softball and Family Fun in Lubbock
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Sizzling Showdown: Mark Your Calendars for Two Unforgettable BBQ Cook-Offs!
LifeGift is Proud to Again Support West Texas Chamber of Commerce Events
Get your taste buds ready and prepare for a mouthwatering extravaganza as two sizzling BBQ events are just around the corner! The 29th Annual Amarillo Good Times Celebration Barbecue Cook-Off and the 26th Annual Hub City BBQ Cookoff in Lubbock are set to take place on Thursday, October 2, 2025. But it's not just about the food; LifeGift is proudly sponsoring both events. As you indulge in the sumptuous dishes, take a moment to appreciate the significance of LifeGift's efforts to promote organ, eye and tissue donation, giving the gift of life to those in need.
Good Times Celebration Barbecue Cook-Off - Tri-State Fairgrounds, Amarillo, Texas
The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the Good Times Celebration Barbecue Cook-Off at the Tri-State Fairgrounds. On October 2, 2025, this event promises to be a meat-lover's paradise, celebrating the art of grilling and barbecuing in all its smoky glory. With mouthwatering creations from some of the finest pitmasters in the region, you're in for a delectable experience.
Hub City BBQ Cookoff - Lubbock Fairgrounds, Lubbock, Texas
Lubbock is all set to fire up the grills at the Hub City BBQ Cookoff, scheduled to be held at the Lubbock Fairgrounds on October 2, 2025. This vibrant celebration, presented by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, brings together more than 90 teams of skilled pitmasters vying for the top honors with their secret recipes and smoking techniques.
Why You Can't Miss These Events
These BBQ cook-offs are more than just a culinary adventure. They’re vibrant community gatherings that showcase the best of Amarillo and Lubbock. As you join fellow BBQ enthusiasts and families, you'll experience the warmth of local hospitality and the camaraderie that comes with sharing good food and good times.
Don't forget to invite your friends, family and fellow BBQ enthusiasts to join in the fun. We look forward to seeing you at the Amarillo and Lubbock BBQ extravaganzas – it's going to be a sizzling showdown you won't want to miss!
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Empowering Students, Honoring Community: LifeGift’s Backpack Drive Makes an Impact
LifeGift proudly held its Back-to-School Backpack Drive on Thursday, July 31st marking a meaningful effort to support students and families across its service regions. Spearheaded by LifeGift’s Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC), the initiative equipped more than 800 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.
The backpack drive served as an opportunity for LifeGift team members to actively give back to the diverse multicultural communities they work alongside every day. Across the north, west and southeast regions, teams worked with school leaders and community partners to identify students in need and ensure that support reached those who would benefit most.
"Our first Backpack Drive was an incredible success, and a true testament to the power of community collaboration," says Shante’ Wells, MHA, LifeGift’s senior director of donation systems. "With the support of our MAC team members, hospital partners, community organizations and generous sponsors, we were able to provide just over 800 backpacks filled with school supplies to students across our service areas."
"From the excitement in the children’s eyes to the gratitude expressed by parents, the impact was immediate and heartwarming. This initiative not only helped prepare students for the upcoming school year but also strengthened our connections within the communities we serve. We are proud of what we accomplished together and inspired by the collective commitment to ensure every child has the tools they need to learn, grow and succeed."
LifeGift welcomed support from hospital partners, community members, local businesses and LifeGift team members who donated new 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—one backpack at a time.
To view LifeGift’s Backpack Drive drone footage, click here.
To view LifeGift’s Backpack Drive photo album, click here.
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Pioneering Stem Cell Therapy May Eliminate Lifelong Immunosuppression in Transplant Patients
Mayo Clinic researchers, led by longtime transplant expert Mark Stegall, MD, are advancing a novel protocol that may allow kidney transplant recipients to discontinue immunosuppressive medications. A multisite phase 3 clinical trial, recently published in the American Journal of Transplantation, evaluated combined kidney and hematopoietic stem cell transplants from HLA-matched siblings. Results showed that 75% of patients were able to cease all immunosuppressive therapy for more than two years, with minimal complications.
Three patients at Mayo Clinic participated; two remain off immunosuppressive agents for over three years, while one continues on a reduced dose. This research is a key component of Mayo Clinic’s Transforming Transplant Initiative, which aims to improve transplant longevity, reduce post-transplant complications and broaden access to organ transplants. The protocol includes kidney transplantation, followed by low-dose radiation and infusion of donor-derived stem cells, facilitating immune tolerance.
While outcomes are promising, the current protocol is limited to recipients with closely matched sibling donors. Future studies will examine broader HLA mismatches and the potential to generalize this approach. According to transplant nephrologist Andrew Bentall, MD, the ultimate objective is to minimize or eliminate lifelong immunosuppression to reduce side effects and improve long-term graft survival.
To learn more, 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! | | LifeGift.org | ©LifeGift 2025 | 8.15.25 | | | | |
