Donor families and loved ones

Daniel was born on New Year's Day, 1986 and five days later he was adopted. His family welcomed him with his big Texas smile into their hearts and home. As he grew, he was always very caring and loved by many. His favorite saying was "I got your back." In retrospect, being an organ donor is the ultimate "got your back" and his family knew that is what Daniel would have wanted. After high school, Daniel took entry level jobs, learning to live away from home and making decisions about college. But his plans were cut short on a bright January Saturday by a common driving error, a split second that would change lives forever.

Organ donation wasn't the first thing Daniel's family thought of but when it was mentioned, it seemed that a bright light entered their hearts. The family had heard of donation before as Daniel's brother Jonathan had received a human aortic valve transplant seven years prior. In the warm, supportive process of meeting with an organ procurement nurse, they agreed to anything Daniel could share. On February 5, 2005, at only 19 years old, Daniel was a successful donor of his liver, both kidneys and his pancreas. "We tell people that other than our faith in God, Daniel being a successful donor has been the greatest comfort we could have in the loss of our son," his family said.

"Daniel's life was not lost, it was shared."

It's a tragic scene no one wants to come upon, two SUVs collide, one wrecked beyond recognition. Passerby Justin was compelled to stop to try and help. He soon finds a 22- year-old woman fighting for her life. Justin, who family members describe as the "kind of guy always willing to help," jumped into action. While others looked on, he sat and held the young woman's hand encouraging her until her final breath. As news of the horrific accident spread, so did the unofficial naming of Justin as "The Good Samaritan."

Sadly, just one month later, Justin himself was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident. Once again, his humanity for others was revealed. Knowing Justin's desire to help others, his family said yes when approached about the gift of organ donation. Justin saved four lives. For his family, knowing his legacy would continue, gave them strength to carry on.

In December 2015, Justin's family met Radu, the man who received the heart of their hero. The meeting was full of tears, joy and hugs from all, including Justin's son. Justin's mom feels they could not have asked for a better recipient and are looking forward to visits with their new extended family.

In August, 2014, a swimming accident took the life of young Cooper. "Cooper was such a powerhouse. He was handsome, sweet, smart, athletic, and all boy - adventurous and a dare devil," said Cooper's mom Christine.

A well-loved and popular kid, in his short 15 years he spread more love, laughter, and life than anyone could have ever imagined. So it was only natural he continue his incredible spirit and legacy through the gift of organ donation.

"Truly, I had no idea the impact his gift of life would have," said Christine. "I simply knew that because he was Cooper he would have it no other way." Cooper's gifts gave five individuals a second chance at life and continues to inspire hope to the 11,000 Texans who continue to wait for a life-saving transplant.

Dillon was 19 years old when he went to be with the Lord in Heaven in June of 2014 as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Dillon was a friend with the ability to see good in all people. His love for family and for sports, especially the Texas Longhorns, were both admirable and contagious. "He always wanted to help those in need," said his father, Dale. "This was never more evident than when he voluntarily signed up to be organ donor."

Dillon registered his decision to be an organ donor on his license at 16 years old, then again upon renewal at 18 years old. His gifts have improved the quality of life in seven people as well as countless others that received his eyes, bone and tissue.

His parents have found comfort in their faith and knowing that his spirit lives on in the individuals who received as well as in their hearts.

Donation and transplantation was nothing new for Robert, better known as "Bobby." One of his cousins was a transplant recipient. "He saw what a great difference it made in her quality of life," said Bobby's mother, Yvonne. "I knew this was what he would want."

Bobby was a family man and loved spending time with his daughter, Cheyenne, and son, Davin and enjoyed his service as a San Antonio Police Officer for seven years and a member of the Honor Guard Division.

Sadly, on December 8, 2013, while in pursuit of two suspects that had been committing armed robberies and terrorizing the south side of town, he sustained a head injury. He fought bravely for 12 days before succumbing to his injury in December of 2013.

His act of heroism caught national news. His casket draped in honors only the brass of police recognized as "Hero" receive: a United States flag. Bobby is a "Hero" not only to his community but to those who received a second chance at life.

His heart, kidneys and liver were donated.

Jeramie was an 18-year-old high school senior, an athlete and band member. He was involved in a fatal vehicle accident in March of 2003. "About two weeks prior to his death we were watching a Discovery program about organ donation," recalled Jeramie's mom, Sylvia. "During a commercial break my husband and I asked Jeramie his opinion, 'Would you consider donation?'"

"Sure," he replied. "If I'm dead I don't need my organs anymore. Why not help someone else who needs them."

Two weeks later they would be approached to consider donating Jeramie's organs. "Because Jeramie believed in organ donation," said Gabriel, Jeramie's dad, "our family was able to make the decision to give the gift of life."

Jeramie's legacy is now a mission for the family as they encourage residents of the Rio Grande Valley to sign up as organ donors.

You can see them driving through town in their white Chevy Tahoe with its distinctive decal on the back windshield. The decal is in the shape of a green ribbon that reads, "My son Jeramie saved five lives. Don't take your organs to heaven, heaven knows we need them here."

Abby was a star basketball player in her town of Hidalgo. One evening in February of 2006 she played an amazing game - 19 baskets! But the excitement of the evening would be short-lived. On the way home with some friends the driver of the truck she was riding in lost control. Abby suffered severe head trauma. While in the hospital, her mom took note of her strong heart and asked Abby's dad if anything could be done to continue her legacy. Organ donation was the answer. Her parent's decision to donate allowed Abby to save six lives.

Carson was born and raised in Austin. Best friends with his younger sister, he was creative, funny and was known for his compassionate heart. After graduating from Texas Christian University with a degree in Advertising, Carson headed to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of making movies. In January of 2012 Carson was out with friends when he was struck by a car while crossing the street. Recalling his compassionate heart, his parents said yes to giving the gift of life. "I know he would have wanted others to use his organs for life, when he no longer could," Melisa, Carson's mom, said. "It gives us a sense of peace knowing others have lived because of our son's gift."

Scott died in August of 1998 at the age of nine after suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm. Scott was a sweet and mischievous boy - the middle of three children. He had the most amazing eyes and thoroughly enjoyed life. "When it was clear that Scott would not pull through this tragedy we were approached about donating his organs. There was no hesitation in saying yes," said Scott's mom, Pam. In the midst of grief, Scott's parents hoped through donation another family would avoid experiencing the loss of a loved one. "Over time, I do get comfort in thinking that other families are celebrating another birthday, another Christmas because of Scott's gift" remarked Pam. Scott's organs saved five lives.