Organ donation is all about helping our community by saving lives.

To date, many families throughout the 35 year history of the TexasOrgan Sharing Alliance (TOSA) have expressed their compassion bysaving countless lives of many who were once strangers. Throughorgan donation and transplantation many have formed a unique bond and created anextended family.

It’s important to keep the issue in mind. There are over 107,000 men, women and children who are facing early deathbecause of organ failure requiring a donated kidney, heart, lung, liver, pancreas and/or small intestine. Many of thesepeople will die waiting on the list for a life-saving transplant due to the lack of donated organs.

How do you view giving back to your community? By providing financial support? Giving your time and talent? Or bymaking the decision to save up to eight lives through organ donation? Saving just one life may mean preserving a wholegeneration. Regardless of whether you choose one or all of the above methods of giving back – the legacy you leave willimpact your community.

As the organization federally designated to serving Central and South Texas, TOSA is committed to conducting dona-tion-related activities. Through these coordinated activities related to public education about the benefits of donation, weincrease donor awareness and the number of people registered on the Glenda Dawson Donate Life – Texas Registry.

TOSA is dedicated to assisting individuals who need organs by making our citizens aware that transplantation worksand that each of us can help by becoming a registered donor.

Sincerely,

Patrick J. Giordano, MHA, FACHEChief Executive Officer

www.txorgansharing.org • Donor information line 1-866-685-0277Central Region Home Office • 8122 Datapoint Drive, Suite 200 • San Antonio, Texas 78229 • 210.614.7030 O • 210.614.2129 F

Northern Region • 7000 North MoPac, Suite 325 • Austin, Texas 78731 • 512.459.4848 O • 512.459.7794 FSouthern Region • 1400 N McColl Road, Suite 104 A • McAllen, Texas 78501 • 956.630.0884 O • 956.687.7185 F

Dear Central and SouthTexas Communities

Hospital ServicesPartnering with area hospitals to bring the gift of

life to those in need is the Texas Organ SharingAlliance mission. Our many years of working close-ly with the more than 117 hospitals in our servicearea have provided both opportunities andprogress in responding to hospital, donor andrecipient needs.Working closely with Central and South Texas

health care professionals and sharing best prac-tices and critical information about organ dona-tion are essential to maximizing the quality ofdonated organs. We are proud of our health care partners forconsistently exceeding the industry standards of excellence.Since developing these partnerships, many new strate-

gies and improvements have been made. Together thesepartnerships have ensured a better referral process and aneffective request process, which ensures the donation dis-cussion with families.Our commitment to the continuing education of our hospital

partners is critical. Support services consist of formal best prac-tices classroom sessions to one-on-one visits with physiciansand nurses who need current information regarding donationprocedures. The goal is to establish an effective process tomanage the option of donation.

Clinical ServicesBrain injuries are devastating events for patients and their

families. The sudden and unexpected death of a loved one isdifficult to understand. Individuals who suffer irreversiblebrain damage may become candidates for organ donationupon their death. Organ donation is sometimes the only pos-itive outcome for family members when they know their lovedone is saving the lives of others. The process of donationinvolves very specific testing to determine brain death. Beforedeclaring brain death, the hospital physician will perform aseries of tests to determine brain function, the patient's abili-ty to breathe without assistance, pupil response to light, stim-ulus response and blood flow to the brain. Brain death meansthere is irreversible loss of all brain functions.If brain death is declared, it means the person is dead.

There is no hope for recovery because blood is not flowing tothe brain, thus no oxygen is carried to the brain to allow it tofunction. The mechanical ventilator can only keep the heartbeating and other organs and tissues preserved for a short

time. Circulation of the blood, a heartbeat and respiration sup-ported by mechanical means do not indicate life. Two optionsare available for the family: removal of the ventilator and let-ting the heart stop, or organ and tissue donation. The heart,lungs, kidneys, liver or other solid organs provide life to thoseawaiting a life-saving transplant. Tissue donation may also bean option in these circumstances.

Many find hope in knowing that others might live throughgiving the "Gift of Life." Up to 50 lives can be saved orenhanced if a family agrees to donate their loved one'sorgans, corneas and tissues. Donation does not prevent afamily from having a traditional open-casket-viewing funeral.No major religions oppose donation, and many view it as anact of sacrifice and great love. Family members bear noexpenses for the donation, but are responsible for hospitaland medical bills prior to the determination of brain death.The evaluation and recovery of the organs and tissues are theresponsibility of the procurement agency.

Departments

Communications and Community Development

Through the years, the Communications and CommunityDevelopment Department of the Texas Organ Sharing Alliancehas been instrumental in building a donor-friendly community.A wide variety of community programs and activities has beencreated as a vehicle to provide the public with factual informa-tion about donation so that individuals can make an informeddecision about this important issue. All efforts of the depart-ment focus on raising the number of people who are registeredon the Donate Life – Texas Registry.

Community events, health fairs and speaking engage-ments provide staff, donor families and pre- and post-trans-plant recipients the opportunity to stand strong and dispel themyths and incorrect assumptions that are shared by thosewho do not support donation.

TOSA has the experience, staff and volunteers to handleany community request.

Contact TOSA if you would like to:• Enroll in the Donate Life – Tex as Registry.

• Obtain donor inform ation or registration form s.

• Request a speak er for a school, church, club ororganization presentation.

• Becom e a volunteer and help raise organ, eyeand tissue donor aw areness.

Please contact the following staff forstory ideas or volunteering for events inyour community:

Esmeralda “Mela” PerezManager, Communications & Community Development(210)614-7030mperez@txorgansharing.org

Michelle SegoviaSenior Community Relations Coordinator Northern Region(512)459-4848msegovia@txorgansharing.org

Tricia BarreraPublic Relations CoordinatorSouthern Region(956)630-0884tbarrera@txorgansharing.org

There are over 107,000 men, women, and children in theUnited States currently waiting for a life-saving organ trans-plant. Of these, an estimated 10,000 are living in the stateof Texas. Someone listed on the national waiting list is severe-ly ill and can spend up to six years waiting for a donororgan. No one listed will receive special considerationbecause of their financial and/or celebrity status.

With the national list at an all-time record high and anew name being added every 12 minutes, why are somany families avoiding the talk about organ donationwhen there is a good chance of knowing someone who isbeing afflicted with an end-stage disease?

The fact is that many people make their decision – NOT tobe a donor – on the basis of myths and incorrect assumptionsabout donating. Concerns such as not being able to be adonor because of age, medical history, religion, life-savingprocedures and who can and cannot be a donor can beanswered by visiting any one of the following Web sites:

www.donatelifetexas.org (English)www.donevidatexas.org (Spanish)

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)online organ, eye and tissue donor registry.

www.txorgansharing.orgTexas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA) is a nonprofit, inde-

pendent organ procurement organization authorized by thefederal government to serve the 5.5 million people in the 56counties located in Central and South Texas. TOSA is dedi-cated to supporting families in our community who have lostloved ones by providing an opportunity to donate life throughorgan donation.

Other Resources:www.organtransplants.org

An in-depth Web documentary focusing on the miracle oforgan, eye and tissue transplantation in America.

www.unos.orgThe United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is the

organ transplantation and donation data and informationresource for medical professionals and the general public.UNOS brings together medicine, science, public policy andtechnology to facilitate every organ transplant performed inthe United States.

www.organdonor.govThe official U.S. Government web site for organ and tissue

donation and transplantation, maintained by the HealthResources and Services Administration (HRSA), HealthcareSystems Bureau (HSB), and Division of Transplantation. TheDivision also administers grant programs and conducts publicand professional education initiatives to increase awareness ofthe critical need for organ and tissue donors.

www.transplantliving.orgCreated and maintained by UNOS, the Transplant Living

Web site is the definitive information and education resourcefor transplant patients and their families.

Facts You Should Know107,000: The number of men, women and children waitingfor a life-saving organ transplant in this country.

10,000: The number of people awaiting an organ trans-plant in Texas.

18: The number of people who die every day while waitingfor a life-saving transplant.

12: The number of minutes it takes for a new name to beadded to the transplant list.

8: The number of lives that can be saved by one organdonor.

3: The number of ways you can sign up to be an organdonor (Department of Motor Vehicles, online atwww.donatelifetexas.org/www.donevidatexas.org anddown-loadable form).

0: The number of lives that are saved when “You” say “NO”to organ donation.

Get the facts...An average of 18 people die each day from thelack of available organs for transplant.

My name is Criselda Ivon Rincon-Flores. I represent thedonor family of Sergio David Rincon. Sergio Rincon was mybeloved father. I give thanks to the Texas Organ SharingAlliance for giving me the opportunity to share my special story.

Sergio David Rincon was born in Reynosa, Mexico, onDecember 19, 1957. He was born to Francisco and MariaGuadalupe Rincon. He had four brothers and one sister. Hemarried Criselda Cortez Rincon in October 1981. In 1982, Iwas born. They had three children – myself, my brother SergioDavid Rincon, Jr. and my young brother Francisco Javier, whodied when he was 1 month old from heart problems.

On January 31, 2009, my son Joel Flores, Jr., named aftermy husband, Joel Flores, was born. My father had the privi-lege of meeting his first grandson. Joelito was born prema-turely at 7 months. I say God works in mysterious ways. Hewanted my father to live his dream of being a Grandpa. Mydad met his grandson and loved him for those two months hewas sent early to us.

Our family’s life changed April 6, 2009, 30 minutes aftermy father started working – he suffered an accident at work.He was employed by an oil drilling company as a floorhand. A 150-pound object fell on his head. When I got tothe hospital, I was glad that he was taken to the Rio GrandeValley Trauma Hospital. The emergency room doctor andnurses gave me hope and understood what I was goingthrough. Within an hour, we were informed that my dad wasgoing to have brain surgery. Just hearing those words, I

knew it was serious. However, the doctors and nursesalways gave us hope and asked that we trust that they woulddo what it took to help him. Unfortunately, after two brainsurgeries my father was declared brain dead on GoodFriday, April 10, 2009.

Our family was faced with the biggest decision in ourlife. We were glad that we did not have to make the deci-sion to disconnect, since by law it is mandatory, but wewere faced with the decision of giving life. My mother wasextremely hesitant. With my brother’s, husband’s, and myadvice based on my father’s attitude toward life, she decid-ed to make him an organ donor. All doubts we had werecleared by the staff at McAllen Medical, including doctorsand nurses. We knew everything was done to save mydad. It was God’s decision to take him, but not withoutleaving a little bit of him behind to continue helping others.TOSA representatives approached us and asked us if weknew anyone who needed an organ to inform them so heor she could have an opportunity to be a recipient.

My thoughts were not so clear. Since I had been on mater-nity leave, I had heard from my co-workers at the DistrictAttorney’s office that one of our paralegals was very sick andneeded a liver transplant. At first, I was not clear about whattype of transplant. However, TOSA was able to make thearrangements possible, and Liz Handy, who is now part ofthe Rincon family, was in San Antonio the next morning as acompatible recipient.

In LovingMemory

Sergio David Rincon 1957 - 2009

Above: Sergio David Rincon, 2009 Donor.

Our father lives in each one of us with the memories, loveand thoughts he left behind. He was an extremely positiveperson who always saw everything with joy and admiredevery day and gave thanks to God for letting him live eachminute. Even so, he died at a very young age – 51 years old,full of life, and wanting more than anything to enjoy his newstage of being a grandpa. His dream in life after seeing hiskids get an education was seeing his grandson grow up.Thanks to his hard work, I am an assistant district attorney ofHidalgo County, and my brother is getting his master’s in busi-ness administration. His grandson is now taken care of by hisbeloved grandmother, and every day of his life will knowabout his grandpa who was a great man not only when hewas alive, but even after his death. Liz Handy is living a joy-ful life with her liver transplant and spending time with herfamily. We, the Rincon family, feel grateful that God heardher prayers and used my dad for her miracle. This I learnedfrom Mrs. Handy personally. Being a woman of faith, shequoted Mark 11:24 – “Therefore I say to you whatever thingsyou ask when you pray, believe that you receive them and youwill have them.”I ask that you join with me in promoting organ donation

because even though you no longer have your loved one,you live fulfilled in seeing how others get to have anotheropportunity to live. I know my dad lives with us in heartand mind, but his living in Liz Handy and the four otherrecipients from Texas he helped bring great joy to us.

Pa, “ERES Y SERAS PARA SIEMPRE MY HERUETE AMO.”

Criselda Ivon Rincon-Flores2009 Donor Family

To maximize quality organ donation withinthe Texas Organ Sharing Alliance servicearea and to provide the regional transplantcenters and the national OrganProcurement and Transplantation Network(OPTN) with a professional and responsiveorgan recovery program. In so doing, theTexas Organ Sharing Alliance will constant-ly maintain the utmost consideration andconcern for the donor family, the potentialdonor and the donor hospital staff.

OurMission

Above: Criselda Ivon Rincon-Flores, 2009 Donor Family andLiz Handy, 2009 Liver Recipient.

A mother’s wish for her children isfor their happiness and success. As a mother of twoboys (Miguel and Pedro De Los Santos) and three girls (BlancaEstella De Los Santos and Brigitte and Teresita Garza), my moth-er, Rebeca Garza, is no exception to wanting the same for allher children.

As the daughter of Rebeca Garza, I believe I have fulfilled mymother’s wish. Today, at the age of 38, I am married to a won-derful, caring and compassionate man, Valente. Together, we arethe proud and happy parents of two small children – Valente, our3-year-old son, and Miranda Blanca, our 1-year-old daughter.Both have brought so much happiness to my family and me.

Our hobbies are surrounded by family activities such as bar-becues with family and friends. For Sunday morning breakfastmy mother cooks a full Mexican spread with all our favoritedishes – chorizo con huevo, barbacoa, carnitas, frijoles, quesocon salsa, papas con huevo and tortillas de harina, to name afew. Ask anyone who knows my mother, and they will tell youshe is known for her Sunday morning breakfast.

Although my mom has been able to share in the happinessand success of her children, her life has not been withoutheartache. She was widowed at an early age when her hus-band, Rodolfo Garza, passed away leaving her to raise herchildren alone. And like most mothers who expect that their chil-dren will outlive them, this was not the case for my mom. Shehas had to deal with the loss of two of her daughters, BlancaEstella De Los Santos, who died at the age of 23, and TeresitaGarza, who died at the age of 3. Having experienced the lossof two of her children, she adopted one of her grandchildren,Priscilla Ann Garza (daughter of Blanca Estella De Los Santos).

The loss of her children caused her many years of grieving andneglecting her own health. Facing renal failure as a result ofyears of high blood pressure, she was placed on dialysis in

2002. The same year, I was tested to see if I was a suitable kid-ney match, but unfortunately was ruled out as not being a com-

patible donor. I appealed the decision under thefact that I wanted the insurance company to allow

the experimental procedure of plasmaphersis sothat it would make it possible to donate one of my

healthy kidneys to her. The appeal was deniedbecause plasmaphersis was an experimental proce-

dure at the time. In 2007, after working since theage of 14, my mom was forced to retire because of

end-stage renal disease. She was evaluated byUniversity Hospital, which placed her name on the

United Network for Organ Sharing waiting list for alife-saving kidney transplant.

Recently, I took some time off as a full-time criminaland immigration defense attorney practicing in both federal andstate court to become my mother’s caretaker after she was hospi-talized in critical condition with high blood pressure. She nolonger can live alone or enjoy taking care of her grandchildren.

As a daughter, my wish is to see my mother enjoy a healthy lifeand watch her grandchildren grow up. The many years of waitingfor a donated kidney have taken a toll on my mother. The mostheart-wrenching experience is to witness her health deteriorateright before my eyes and to feel helplessness. I would do anythingto save my mother’s life, but at this point there is nothing I can dobut watch her get weaker and weaker every single day.

Although I thank God for the days I have been able to sharewith my mother, to watch her ill and weak and so limited inwhat she can and cannot do is truly excruciating pain for meand my family. You see, my mother was the strongest, mosthardworking woman I have ever known in my life. My goal asa child was one day to grow up and prosper to be at least halfthe woman she is – if I could become half the woman she is, Ifelt that I would be able to survive in this world. So to watch thisonce strong, hardworking, independent woman become frag-ile, weak and now dependent is sometimes too much for adaughter’s heart to accept. I have faith that one day she willhave a beautiful pink pulsating kidney and will be that strongindependent woman that raised me.

Like the many other children of a parent who is listed onthe national waiting list for a life-saving transplant, I live withhope and pray for the time when a suitable donor will savemy mother’s life.

Brigitte GarzaKidney Recipient Daughter

Rebeca Garza*At press time Rebeca Garza had received the gift of life.

Lives put on holdLeft to right: Transplant recipient Rebeca Garza, BrigitteGarza, Miguel De Los Santos, Pedro De Los Santos (farback), Priscilla Ann Garza.

August 1: National Minority Donor Awareness Day28: TOSA “Lights of Life Candle-Lighting Ceremony,”Mission, TX

SeptemberSept. 15 – Oct. 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month

October23 – 30: “Lone Star Circle of Life Bike Tour,” TX23: TOSA “Lights of Life Candle-Lighting Ceremony,” Austin, TX

November12 – 14: National Donor Sabbath14: TOSA “Lights of Life Candle-Lighting Ceremony,” San Antonio, TX“Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle National ShrineVia Cruxes,” San Juan, TXValley Regional Medical Center “Gift of Life GardenDedication,” Brownsville, TX 20: “Vital Alliance 13th Annual Donate Life Run/Walk,”Brackenridge Park – Joskes Pavilion, San Antonio, TX

December6: “Angel of Hope Candle-Lighting Vigil,” University of theIncarnate Word, San Antonio, TX

February 14: National Donor Day

AprilNational Donate Life Month “Del Rio Organ Sharing Awareness 5K Walk,” Del Rio, TX“Vital Alliance Tree-Planting Ceremony,” San Antonio, TXDoctors Hospital “Garden of Hope Ceremony,” Laredo, TXLaredo Medical Center “Rose Garden Ceremony,” Laredo, TX

July HRSA “National Donor Recognition Ceremony andWorkshop,” Washington, DC

Please contact TOSA at (210) 614-7030 or toll free at1-866-685-0277 for further information about theseand other upcoming events.

Everyday millions of Americans reach out to help their fellow neighbor. They reach out by contributing timeto build better lives and stronger communities. – Anonymous

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

the value of giving back.The more than 107,000 men, women and children on the

national waiting list continue to be inspired by what is being doneby individuals, communities and the donation and transplant cen-ters to build awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation. Donor education is the vehicle to our community’s understanding

about the critical shortage and need for donors. To date, a lot hasbeen done by many people who care. Yet, more volunteers areneeded to teach others what more can be done in our home, work-place, place of worship and community to save lives. There are many individuals doing incredible work. Together,

we share ideas and implement public awareness programsand activities. As the national organ transplant waiting listshoots above 107,000, we must continue to increase donorawareness in our community.For more information about becoming a Friends for Life

volunteer, call TOSA Donor Family and Volunteer Servicesat (210) 614-7030 or toll-free at 1-866-685-0277.

Friends for life...

Contact TOSA if you would like to:Enroll in the new Glenda Dawson Donate Life – Texas Registry.

Obtain organ, eye and tissue donation information.Request speakers for schools, churches, civic organizations or health fairs.

Become a volunteer and help raise awareness of donation!

CENTRAL REGION HOME OFFICE8122 Datapoint Drive, Suite 200

San Antonio, Texas 78229

Phone: (210) 614-7030Fax: (210) 614-2129

NORTHERN REGION SOUTHERN REGION7000 North Mopac, Suite 325 1400 N. McColl Road, Suite 104A

Austin, Texas 78731 McAllen, Texas 78501

Phone: (512) 459-4848 Phone: (956) 630-0884Fax: (512) 459-7794 Fax: (956) 687-7185

TEXAS ORGAN SHARING ALLIANCEwww.txorgansharing.org

Donor Information Line: (866) 685-0277

GLENDA DAWSON DONATE LIFE – TEXAS REGISTRYwww.donatelifetexas.orgwww.donevidatexas.org