Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG, Texas – In celebration of National Donor Day, which is observed annually on February 14, the DHR Health Transplant Institute held an event to raise awareness on the importance of organ, eye, tissue, blood, and bone marrow donation. Organ donation can offer live-saving opportunities to individuals in need and DHR Health encourages the community to learn more about the impact of organ donation and consider registering as an organ donor.
“National Donor Day is a powerful reminder how one selfless act can change lives,” said Marissa Castaneda, Senior Executive Vice President at DHR Health. “We encourage our community to learn more about registering as a donor, donating blood, or learning more about how they can contribute to this life-saving cause.”
Several distinguished guests attended the event, including Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez and Hidalgo County Commissioner David L. Fuentes, who each shared personal stories about the significance of organ donation. Among those who spoke were Hilda and Hugo Ramirez, a married couple from Brownsville who are both educators. Hilda donated her kidney to her husband in 2023 at the DHR Health Transplant Institute, and today, Hugo is thriving.
Representatives from the Transplant Foundation of South Texas and the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance were also present. These organizations play a crucial role in educating the community about organ donation, dispelling common myths, and advocating for those awaiting life-saving transplants.
As the only transplant center in the Rio Grande Valley, the DHR Health Transplant Institute provides essential kidney transplantation services, ensuring that patients no longer need to travel out of town for kidney transplant care. The institute’s multidisciplinary team offers comprehensive, compassionate medical services, giving patients a new chance at life. Now in its eighth year, the kidney transplant program continues to grow. During the event, Dr. Sridhar Allam, Medical Director of the DHR Health Transplant Institute, highlighted the institute’s significance in the region and introduced Dr. Hector Saucedo Crespo, the center’s newest transplant surgeon.
“Each organ donor could save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance the lives of up to 75 others through tissue donation. If you haven’t already signed up as an organ donor, I encourage you to consider it and let’s pledge to keep this spirit alive, not just today, but every day,” said Dr. Allam.
The event concluded with heartfelt remarks from Dr. Henry Herrera, DHR Health Gastroenterologist and Board Member, who emphasized the importance of being a registered organ donor. He shared a deeply personal story about his late wife, who passed away last October, and how her generous gift saved the lives of four individuals, including an eight-year-old child in need of a transplant.
For more information on organ donation, please visit the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance website at www.tosa1.org
