One Year of Rooted in Life: Growing Hope Through Community, Culture, and Conversation
Since its official launch in 2025, Southwest Transplant Alliance (STA)’s Rooted in Life initiative has worked to increase awareness and inspire lifesaving conversations about organ donation within Black communities across Texas. Through partnerships with the Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation (AMAT) and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), the initiative works to address cultural mistrust, dispel myths, and expand access to organ donation education.
This work remains critical, as more than 100,000 people in the United States are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant—and over 60% of those on the national waiting list come from multicultural backgrounds (Source: Donate Life America).
Verna Mitchell: Using Her Second Chance to Inspire Change
For liver transplant recipient Verna, the initiative represents a chance to raise awareness and build understanding within communities disproportionately impacted by chronic illness and organ failure.
“There are so many African Americans in need of a transplant due to heightened health challenges such as hypertension and diabetes,” Verna shared. “Our community doesn’t donate as freely as others, and it’s important that we not only consider becoming donors, but commit to it.”
As a proud member of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Verna has transformed her second chance at life into a mission rooted in advocacy. By sharing her transplant journey, she hopes to encourage others to learn more about organ donation, register as donors, and communicate their decision with loved ones.
Marcolin Eakins: Building Trust Through Community and Remembrance
Another voice helping to shape this work is donor family member and STA employee Marcolin Eakins, who sees Rooted in Life as an example of how trusted community leadership can foster open and honest dialogue about organ donation.
As STA’s Director of Information Technology and a member of the Missouri City-Sugar Land and Pearland-Manvel-Fresno Alumni Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Marcolin brings a lived understanding of how community leadership and cultural connections can inspire meaningful change.
“National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations have deep roots in the community,” Marcolin shared. “We can build trust, remove myths, and help families reach a decision. One thing I know, especially from being in an NPHC myself, is that culture moves culture.”
Lashon Berry: Advocating Through Immense Gratitude
The impact of organ donation is also powerfully reflected in the story of Lashon Berry, a double lung transplant recipient and devoted member of the Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
After being diagnosed with end-stage pulmonary fibrosis, Lashon faced a difficult journey that ultimately led to a lifesaving double lung transplant. Throughout her experience, she found strength in her faith, family, and sorority sisters, who supported her every step of the way.
Today, Lashon uses her experience to educate others about organ donation and encourage them to register as donors. She views donation as a powerful act of service and compassion that offers others more time, more memories, and a renewed appreciation for life.
“Organ donation not only has given me more memories and extended my time here with my family,” Lashon shared, “but it has also given me a deeper appreciation for life.”
Continuing the Mission
As STA celebrates one year of Rooted in Life outreach, the initiative remains focused on strengthening trust, removing barriers, and advancing awareness of organ donation and transplantation. Together, we can continue building stronger connections in our communities—and growing hope for the thousands still waiting for a lifesaving transplant.
Take root in this mission by helping turn awareness into action: