STA's Donate Life Night Series: Uniting Communities, Honoring Legacies, and Raising Awareness
Throughout the summer, Southwest Transplant Alliance partnered with four Texas Minor League ballparks to host our annual Donate Life Night Baseball Series. These special evenings were more than just baseball games; they served as an opportunity to educate communities about the lifesaving impact of organ and tissue donation and for donor families, transplant recipients, and donation advocates to come together to honor the gift of life.
“Partnering with local minor league teams allows us to bring our mission into the heart of the community while raising awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation,” said Sara Metzger, Program Manager of Community Engagement & Foundation Relations.
Connecting Communities & Inspiring Hope
Each game provided a meaningful space for connection, remembrance, and hope. Donor families and transplant recipients honored their donor heroes by sharing photos, writing heartfelt messages, signing the Donate Life Flag, and reflecting on stories that celebrated their legacies.
The ceremonial first pitch at each game is a powerful tribute as donor families honor their loved ones:
Corpus Christi Hooks: Best friend and family members of donor hero Eric Gonzalez threw the ceremonial first pitch, honoring Eric's legacy and the four lives he saved through the gift of organ donation. See photos from the event here!
Frisco RoughRiders: Joined by her family, donor mom Valerie Rocha threw the first pitch in honor of her son Anthony Wood, whose legacy lives on through the five lives he saved as an organ donor and the countless others he healed through tissue donation. Take a look at the event gallery here!
Midland RockHounds: A special ceremonial first pitch honored donor hero Jordan Taylor, a devoted husband, father, and U.S. Army helicopter mechanic whose legacy of service continues through organ donation. Known for his generous spirit and unwavering commitment to helping others, Jordan’s final act of generosity saved the lives of four people in need of a transplant. View pictures from the event here!
El Paso Chihuahuas: Retired El Paso Police Sergeant Andy Cintron honored his late wife Terri Cintron, celebrating the four lives she saved through organ donation and the many lives she healed through tissue donation. SEE photo gallery from the event here!
Looking Back on a Meaningful Season
Thank you to all who helped make this Donate Life Night Series one to remember! These special evenings brought communities together to honor the selflessness and generosity of our donor heroes, recognize the lives transformed through transplantation, and inspire conversations about the importance of donation.