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Vital Volunteers of the Month
January 2012
The Vital Volunteer of the month is Cyndi Amaya. Cyndi's brother, David Flores, passed away unexpectedly in 2007 and was an organ donor who was able to save several lives. Cyndi and her family share their story to educate others about donation. Her two sons, Adrian and Marco, are always willing to help out when needed. The family recently made blankets for fellow volunteer Shannon Lenox and her "It's a Heck of a Blanket Ministry." We are very grateful for the Amaya family.
December 2011
At age 19, after losing function in her kidneys due to lupus, Sandra Cannon was on dialysis for nine months before she was eligible for a transplant. Sandra was blessed in that she had four siblings who were more than willing to get tested to see if they were a match. All four siblings ended up being a match, and it was decided that Sandra's sister, San Juana Galvan, was to be the donor. On June 30, 1995, Sandra was transplanted at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. The transplant was a success, and after 16 years Sandra's kidney is doing remarkably well. San Juana and Sandra share a special bond and are strong advocates of organ donation.
November 2011
Sara Guzman's relationship with donation began in 2007 when her husband, Julian, became ill. His doctors told him that he needed a liver transplant and placed him on the waiting list. Sara was his caregiver and support system. After 16 months, they received the call that a liver was waiting for him. Julian made a full recovery and was able to return to work full time with great health. In December 2009, he began to have kidney problems. He was evaluated and listed for a kidney transplant. Sara didn't think twice about getting tested to see if she would be a match for her husband. In March 2010, they found out that she was a match! On July 27, Sara and Julian went into the hospital together and Julian received his wife's gift of life, her kidney. "I didn't think twice about it. I would do it all over again," Sara said. While the kidney transplant was a success, Julian began to have other complications. Sadly, he passed away on Nov. 1, 2010. Despite her loss, Sara remains a fierce advocate for donation. She volunteers at The Methodist Hospital, Nora's Home and is a star Vital Volunteer with LifeGift. She recently started a blanket ministry where she makes and distributes blankets to families and patients at Methodist.
October 2011
Brandy Parker took her daughter to an appointment at Texas Children's Hospital in August 2008 for a check up with her cardiologist. She ended up learning that she also had a heart condition. Brandy was diagnosed with Restrictive Cardiomyopathy and told that she would possibly have to have a heart transplant. Two years after her diagnosis, she was placed on the waiting list. It was hard for Brandy being sick and putting her life on hold as she was constantly waiting for the next procedure that she needed and for the call that would change her life. After 8 months, she received that call and the gift of life! Brandy said, "Now that the surgery is done, I feel like a completely new person. This transplant has given our family the opportunity to start doing the things we love again, like camping and going to the lake." Along with the joy comes a tremendous amount of thankfulness for the person who gave her this gift. Brandy said that she grieves for her donor family and hopes to meet them one day. She added, "I hope they have some sort of peace in their loss, knowing that their loved one saved the life of someone else." Brandy is living life to the fullest and enjoying time with her husband of 14 years and her two children, Rebecca, 11, and Connor, 8. She is excited about volunteering with LifeGift and spreading awareness about donation.
Terri Grimaldo was initially upset when she found that her fiancé was a registered donor. They had never discussed organ donation before, and she wanted to know why he had made such an important decision without her knowing. A few months later, he came down with a case of strep throat that would prove to be fatal. A combination of the infection, some over-the-counter medication and a prescription pain pill caused him to aspirate and led to severe brain damage. After Russ was on life support for a week, it was determined there was no chance for recovery. Terri and her family asked that LifeGift be called. "Although the donation process was very difficult, the one thing that got me through it was knowing that while we were crying tears of grief, there would be other families crying tears of joy," Terri said. "Our loss was someone else's second chance at life, and that made all of the tears and pain worth it for me." Since losing Russ, Terri has become a Vital Volunteer and is now dedicated to spreading the word about donation and the impact it can have on both the recipients and donor families. Terri also wants her and Russ's 4-year-old daughter to know the importance of donation and the gift her father left for someone else when he was taken from this world.
September 2011
Hope Crandell's life began anew on Oct. 18, 2008, when she received the gift of life through a liver transplant. She has been doing great since her transplant and spends much of her time volunteering for LifeGift and sharing her story to encourage others to register as organ and tissue donors. Hope says, "I love being alive, and I am forever thankful to my donor for giving me a second chance to live. This experience has led me to spread the word about donation."
August 2011
Vital Volunteer Retha Jones is always willing and able to educate various audiences about organ and tissue donation. Retha received her heart transplant in March 2010, and she loves being able to share her story and register people on the Donate Life Texas Registry.
Sylvia Torres has been a volunteer for several years in the West Region. Her son, Zach, was a tissue donor, and the Torres family hosts a softball tournament every year in his honor. Sylvia has also stepped forward and been a major player in Lubbock events such as 4th on Broadway. As a teacher, she is able to spend most of her summers helping us out any way possible!
Laura Atkins is a new Donation Evaluation Specialist at UMC, and she became a Vital Volunteer in June. Since then, she has been extremely willing and flexible to help anyway possible! Laura was a huge asset to our 4th on Broadway event.
July 2011
David Schoolcraft has a heart of gold. After experiencing almost 30 heart attacks and spending much of his time in a hospital bed, he received the gift of life...a new heart. He now has the heart of 16-year-old Santos "Makis" Gonzales. David and the Gonzales family have become very close. They spend much of their time together, and are always willing to share their story about how Santos is a hero.
May 2011
Derek Sudduth, donation clinical specialist, is a dedicated employee and volunteer. He helped with many activities during Donate Life Month and was instrumental in the Vital Volunteer banquet planning. Derek has worked many registry drives at Covenant Health System, and is always willing to help out.
Donor mom Christie Mayers was a great help with this year’s 2nd Chance Run. She gathered many prizes for event participants. Christie’s 24- year-old daughter, Briann, was a donor in 2007. Christie says, “It is exciting for me to volunteer for LifeGift and they are obviously very meaningful to my life.”
Don Kendrick received his lifesaving heart transplant in February of 2008 at The Methodist Transplant Center. After just a few months of recovery and rehabilitation, Don and his wife, Kay, became active participants in the Vital Volunteer program. They are great advocates for donation and the Donate Life – Texas Registry. Don and Kay promote organ and tissue donation awareness every chance they get. Don says, “I am so very grateful to my donor, his family and their ultimate gift of life.”
Maurice Goodwin, donation recovery specialist, referred one of our newest volunteers to our program. Six-year-old Max Herrick, heart recipient and guest of honor at the Red Carpet event, recently moved to Houston from Chicago with his family to be closer to Texas Children’s Hospital. Maurice was the one who recovered Max’s heart for him when he was only two. We appreciate Maurice bringing the Herrick family into our Vital Volunteer family!
April 2011
Monica Rowe, donation clinical specialist in the West Region, was a great asset during Donate Life Month. She worked all of the Registry Drives at Covenant Hospital! Monica is a dedicated employee and Vital Volunteer.
Wanda Hoeppner joined the Vital Volunteer team in February and hit the ground running! She can always be counted on, and everyone in the North Region appreciates her dedication!
Elizabeth Jetton is our smallest Vital Volunteer. Her beautiful face has been a source of inspiration for everyone who has heard her story. On Good Friday, April 22, Elizabeth received the ultimate gift when she had her lung transplant. We are so happy that the Jetton family has allowed us to be a part of their journey.
Andy Bigham, donation recovery specialist, is one of our star employees in the Southeast Region. Andy is committed to our mission of saving and enhancing lives through donation. During the month of April, he worked at several registry drives, and he was a tremendous help at the 3rd annual Celebration of Life.
March 2011
Karen Goldthwaite received a kidney from a saintly anonymous donor on Dec. 14, 2008. She says, “With immense gratitude, I have begun a new and blessed life surrounded by my husband of 31 years, Jim, and our two sons, Christopher and Tyler.” As the associate for academic instruction at All Saints Episcopal School, Karen is either in the classrooms helping students who need a boost or researching for the teachers. In her spare time, she volunteers for LifeGift, plays hand bells at Trinity Episcopal Church, works in the garden and spends time at her lake house.
Ed Fresquez, retired president of one of the nation’s largest nonprofit drug treatment programs, received his liver transplant at The Methodist Hospital in 1998. Ed spent his professional career helping others, and he is continuing to do so by promoting donation. We are so lucky to have him on board as a Vital Volunteer. Ed is a great public speaker, and has shared his story with LifeGift staff and many others. He is always willing to do what it takes to promote donation.
Syed Ali, donor resource specialist, is always willing to do whatever it takes to promote donation. And he does it with a smile! Syed has a beautiful voice that he is always willing to share to spread our message. He performed on Thursday, April 7, at the 3rd annual "Celebration of Life."
February 2011
Allison Griffith, one of our youth volunteers, has been involved in many events. Allison has a great willingness to increase knowledge of donation. She recently shared her story regarding her brother and sister-in-law and how they became tissue donors. We look forward to her continued involvement with the West Region!
Anne Jameson has been involved with LifeGift for almost a year to honor her son, Bradley, who was a donor in 2007. Volunteering has also been a great way to meet other donor families. Anne says, "LifeGift has been a gift to me in the face of a horrible tragedy."
Andy Benavides is one of LifeGift’s most passionate volunteers for the Hispanic community. This 2008 heart recipient is always available when we need him! He is a pro at raising awareness of the importance of donation.
Jocelyn Cooper, donation recovery specialist, is a champion for donation both on and off the clock. She is always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. Jocelyn has referred several new Vital Volunteers to our program, and she was instrumental in the success of our Ronald McDonald project during the holidays.
January 2011
John Taylor was motivated to sign up as an organ donor after attending many Donor Memorial Services and Candle Lighting Ceremonies over the years while in Houston, Texas. He became a LifeGift Vital Volunteer in August 2009 after moving to Lubbock from Houston. John currently is a Vital Volunteer Leader for the West Region group and very active in supporting activities to increase awareness about organ and tissue donation. John says, "What better legacy and act of human love can a person leave behind in this world than to possibly enhance or save the life of a complete stranger?"
Juan Espino’s wife, Stella, was an organ and tissue donor in February 2010. Juan honors Stella's memory by sharing their story to help educate others about organ donation.
Christine Nunez is the mother of two very special children. Nikko and Ciara were both born with heart problems. Ciara received a heart transplant when she was only 4 months old. Christine shares her story with others to spread the word about the importance of organ and tissue donation.
Joey Ortega, Donation Clinical Specialist, is a dedicated LifeGift employee who is passionate about our mission. He is always willing to go above and beyond to help our donor families, recipients and fellow employees. Joey has done an amazing job helping with our Vital Volunteer orientations each month.
December 2010
Vital Volunteer and donor mother Terri Contreras was chosen as one of Lubbock's Top 20 Hispanics of 2010 by Latino Lubbock Magazine. “Terri is very deserving of this honor,” said Elvia Valdez, LifeGift Public Relations Coordinator. “She works tirelessly within the city of Lubbock to help raise awareness about donation and is a role model for everyone, not only Hispanics.” Terri's husband, Juan, is currently waiting for a liver transplant. Congratulations to Terri for this honor and for being a Vital Volunteer of the month!
Megan Clark is Miss Tarrant County USA and her platform is organ donation. She chose organ donation after being inspired by her cousin’s heart and double-lung transplant. Megan said, “It was one of the most inspiring things I have ever been a part of, and it made me feel that I had to be involved somehow.” We welcome Megan to the LifeGift family as she works to promote our mission of saving and enhancing lives by maximizing organ and tissue donation.
Shannon Lenox lost her son, Roy, in a car accident a year ago. Roy was able to save four lives through the donation of his organs. Shannon has become an advocate for donation and a source of strength for other women who have lost children. She started a support group and also an outreach project called “It’s a Heck of a Blanket.” Shannon and her team of volunteers make blankets to give as a measure of comfort to families who have just lost a loved one. We are honored to have Shannon as a part of the LifeGift family.
Maria Cuerva, Donation Recovery Specialist in the Southeast Region, is the LifeGift Employee Volunteer of the Month. Maria was a great help with our Ronald McDonald House holiday project. She contributed gifts for the Santa store and encouraged her colleagues to do the same. She also attended our Vital Volunteer holiday party. Maria is a great asset to our LifeGift team of volunteers.
November 2010
A few months after Linda Murph received her liver transplant, she called LifeGift to ask for information on support groups. She started volunteering that very weekend! Linda has dedicated many hours representing LifeGift and promoting donation. "I want everyone signed up to be a donor," she says. "It is the greatest gift you will ever give or receive."
Linda Person became a Vital Volunteer after her son, Chris, became an organ and tissue donor. Linda says, "How can I not continue in honoring him by sharing his story an volunteering with LifeGift in an effort to share the importance of helping others by giving the gift of life."
Johnny Dorsett received his liver transplant on August 1, 2000. He started volunteering with LIfeGift in 2002 in order to help others who were going through the same things he experienced.
Johnny has always been extremely grateful to donor families, particularly his own. He often visits the grave of his donor, James, and always mentions his donor family when he speaks about his transplant. Above all he gives the glory to God.
In the North Region Stacey Alford, Donation Clinical Specialist, often gives her time to help with the education of our Vital Volunteers. She did an excellent job heading up the LifeGift "Team Heartburn" during the annual Dakota Johnston Chili Cook off! Fellow employee Linda Mize says, "She is the best of the best!"
October 2010
Erica Turner is an active volunteer in Amarillo. Currently waiting on a liver transplant, she is supportive of LifeGift's mission: to save lives. She is dedicated to increasing awareness about donation in West Texas and was instrumental in organizing the "Bowl for Life" event during Donate Life Month. She is focused on recruiting new volunteers!
Linda Lupher attended a LifeGift luncheon a year and a half after her daughter became an organ donor. She has been an active volunteer ever since.
Linda says, "LifeGift has become a second family to me. I have received so much love and support from them, and there's nothing more special to me than to honor Lauren by educating others about organ donation and the need for more registered donors."
Diane Mendonca has been a loyal Vital Volunteer since she expressed her interest in working with LifeGift and is very passionate about the cause. She recently moved to Houston from California and works for The Methodist Hospital for one of its leading liver transplant surgeons. Seeing firsthand what families are going through while in the process of waiting for and receiving a transplant, inspired Diane to get involved and make a difference. She believes firmly in doing things because you want to, not because you have to. She wants to educate the public about the importance of registering to be organ and tissue donor.
Laura Armbruster recently moved to Houston after accepting a full time position as a Donation Clinical Specialist with LifeGift. Laura is dedicated professionally and personally to the cause of donation. She helped with the Make a Difference Day Project and recently attended a Vital Volunteer training!
September 2010
Congratulations to Kathleen Schmidt, September Vital Volunteer of the Month. In the short time that Kathleen has been part of the LifeGift family, she has demonstrated the great passion she has for donation.
After receiving a double-lung transplant at The Methodist Hospital in 2008, Kathleen is now dedicated to educating others about the importance of organ and tissue donation. Kathleen volunteered at numerous events during the month of September.
The opportunity she most enjoyed was going back to Methodist to share her story at a nursing orientation session.
August 2010
Congratulations to Melinda Baltrukevich, Vital Volunteer for the month of August!
Melinda has been a part of the LifeGift family for almost five years. She has dedicated her time and talent to help our mission.
Melinda received a liver transplant in 2002, and she is a champion for donation. In the month of August, Melinda represented LifeGift at three community events, volunteering more than 20 hours.
She also took the initiative to register her co-workers at Jessup Elementary School in Pasadena! Melinda will receive a $15 gift card as a thank you for all she does!
