Southwest Transplant Alliance

Did you know STA has an Epidemiologist? Matilin Rigsby, MPH has been with the STA team for nearly a year and plays a key role in serving our lifesaving mission with a focus on innovation. She evaluates recovery processes, analyzes data, and recommends strategic opportunities to increase efficiency and improve performance. Her use of predictive analytics to advance performance is a testament to her innovative spirit, leading to what’s next in donation and maximizing opportunities for donation. Matilin is a lifelong learner. She is currently studying for her PhD at Liberty University and holds a Master of Public Health from Texas A&M University. She is known for her dependability, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence. We truly appreciate all she does to support STA and serve our lifesaving mission with passion and joy! #IAmSTA Learn more about our team and career opportunities at organ.org/jobs!

A big thank you to the City of Richardson Texas and Mayor Dubey for issuing a proclamation in honor of Southwest Transplant Alliance's 50th anniversary of saving and healing lives! We are grateful to celebrate this milestone and proud to continue serving this incredible North Texas community for the next 50 years and beyond.

Today, we are honoring the life and legacy of Justen – a wonderful husband, father of two girls, and loving grandfather. Justen loved his family and his Dallas Cowboys! He is remembered as someone who brought immense joy and laughter to those around him. After being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 11, he continued living life to the fullest. Later on, at age 34, a complication called diabetic ketoacidosis arose and he became a heroic organ donor. His family knew that he would want to help others because that’s who he was in life. His generosity saved three lives and healed many others. His family continues to honor his legacy and share his story. Please join us in taking a moment of silence today to honor Justen. #DonateLife 💙 💚

Jessica Dominguez, a proud Latina podcaster and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, has always proudly supported organ donation. Little did she know that she would end up being the recipient of a life-altering gift! After struggling with severe breathing difficulties due to a deviated septum, Jessica's daily life was marked by headaches, exhaustion, and limited activities. Thanks to the gift of donated cartilage, she underwent a rhinoplasty which improved her breathing by over ninety percent! These days, she is able to fully immerse herself in life once again, engaging in activities like running and podcasting. Jessica believes that her donor hero’s legacy continues through their generosity. Thank you to for MTF Biologics sharing Jessica’s powerful story.

As we celebrate STA’s 50th anniversary, we are looking back each month to remember special moments in time!   In 1997, Southwest Organ Bank officially changed its name to Southwest Transplant Alliance. The original logo saw a bit of a refresh further down the road!    Stay tuned for more flashbacks to significant moments and memories from our last 50 years of saving lives through donation.  

"I got the best gift,” says East Texas resident Narciso. After a doctor's appointment revealed both his kidneys were failing, Narciso was placed on the transplant waiting list. Several months later, he got the call that would change his life forever – there was a lifesaving kidney for him thanks to the generosity of someone who said “yes” to organ donation! Despite a long journey ahead as he continues to recover, Narciso remains grateful for this second chance and the heroic donor who saved his life. Thank you to KLTV 7 for sharing this uplifting story! To learn more about Narciso's story, visit the link below. #MensHealthMonth 🔗 https://bit.ly/3xvgRVf 📸 Photos courtesy of Narciso Buenaventura

Today, we are honoring the life and legacy of Layla. When she received her driver's license, she was determined to register as an organ donor so she could help others. Recently, this brave young hero was surrounded by loved ones and the incredible team at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital for a beautiful honor walk. Thank you to KLTV 7 for sharing Layla's story and honoring the gift of life she made possible through organ donation. To learn more and see her honor walk, visit the link below. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4ep15Me

Today, we wish a very Happy Birthday to one of our mission’s strongest advocates and namesake of our annual golf tournament, Dr. Phil Berry! As a grateful liver recipient almost 38 years ago, he wanted to express his gratitude and give back. Together we’ve provided over $1M in financial assistance to transplant recipients in our community! Join us at Stonebriar Country Club on September 30th for the 30th Annual Phil Berry Transplant Tournament to celebrate this incredible milestone! Your support provides critical assistance to transplant recipients and their families. Sponsor or register your team and support HOPE today at organ.org/golf!

We’re WILD about donation! Our team had a blast last week at the Dallas Zoo for our town hall meeting. STA team members gathered to hear about organizational updates, celebrate our culture of joy, and even meet some special animal friends! 🐊🦩 🐢 🐧 Thank you to our Town Hall Committee for planning this fantastic event and to all who joined us! #CultureOfJoy #IAmSTA

Earlier this year on National Donor Day, two special families met for the first time. Adam Becker's family met the man who received their son’s heart and heard it beat once again. Watch as these two families meet for the first time, forever connected by the gift of life. #DonateLife 💙 💚