Esmeralda
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In a wedding fit for a princess, Esmeralda Miranda, a heart recipient, married her long-time love, Jose Luis. With her family and closest friends by her side to witness the nuptials, the bride said "I do" to the man who has stood by her in "sickness and in health." Esmeralda wanted to share this day with the world because it was through the generosity of organ donation that her dreams were coming true and it was a message she wanted others to hear.
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Arnulfo
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Arnulfo Ornelas of Synder, Texas was 6 when he received his new heart. Brandon Lee Garcia of El Paso was just 12 when he died tragically after a gun triggered accidentally. The Garcia family chose to help the families of other children once there was nothing more that could be done for Brandon. While their hearts continue to ache, they are comforted that Brandon’s heart beats strongly in Arnulfo’s chest, and that Arnulfo has been able to do all of the things that young boys do.
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Carlee
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Carlee has not stopped moving since she received her new heart when she was almost 2 years old. Carlee and her family have had the tremendous opportunity to meet and befriend her donor’s family. And the Baladez family has been active in just about every possible volunteer activity, including Carlee participating in an annual softball game with the Texas Rangers. Today, Carlee is a dancer, aspiring model, and actress. She wants to attend a big college, become a choreographer, and own her very own dance studio someday!
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Andrea
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Andrea was diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition in the 1970s, when cornea transplants were not yet available. She resigned herself to wearing contact lenses and to the likelihood that she'd be blind by her teens. Fortunately, her eyesight degenerated slowly and she received a new cornea in her 30s. Without the transplant, Andrea's job handling media relations for a Parks and Recreation Department would have been impossible. Andrea is tremendously grateful to her donor's family for helping her see again.
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Lawrencia
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Lawrencia thinks every day about the gift she received from people she did not know. Before her transplant, Lawrencia’s life revolved around dialysis treatments several times a week. Neural tube defect spina bifida had yielded a small bladder and kidney trouble and most days were difficult. Just as she was about to give up, her family received the call that a kidney was available. El Paso’s Sabrina Aguilar was a fierce basketball player and loved picnics and barbecues with her family before she died at 15 of injuries from an ATV accident. Her mother said organ donation made sense because Sabrina was always a giving person and so full of life. Lawrencia is studying criminal justice at Lamar State College in Port Arthur and will soon begin work as a correctional officer.
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