Taylor’s Gift Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to the lifesaving effort of increasing organ donor registrations and financially assisting families touched by organ donation, is pleased to announce the nominees for the Second Annual 2016 Outlive Yourself Awards presented by Methodist Dallas Transplant Institute.
“Our team at Methodist is there for the patient during the transplant, and thankfully Taylor’s Gift is there to support the donor family after they have given the gift of life. We are proud to sponsor the 2016 Outlive Yourself Awards that recognizes individuals who are dedicated to serving their communities and raising awareness of organ donation. It is our honor to congratulate this year’s nominees and we look forward to celebrating at the event in November,” says Alejandro Mejia, MD, FACS; Executive Program Director, Organ Transplantation at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.
Nominations came in from across the country recognizing individuals who embody the “Outlive Yourself” spirit by going above and beyond to serve their family or community. In order for someone to be nominated, they must be a registered organ donor. Nominees embrace the essence of making a difference in the world – leaving a legacy by living a life with an “Outlive Yourself” spirit. Nominations were open to anyone in the United States from May 1, 2016 – May 31, 2016. The 2016 Outlive Yourself nominees include:
- Libby Arterburn, Dallas, TX
- Kathy Aulson, Waxahachie, TX
- Daron Babock, Dallas, TX
- Robin Bagwell, Dallas, TX
- Lisa Barker, Plano, TX
- Mary Betzhold, Argyle, TX
- Lisa Cooley, Dallas, TX
- Jimmy Elliot, Downers Grove, IL
- Valen Keefer, Auburn, CA
- Kayla Lehmann, Houston, TX
- Burton Mattice, Dallas, TX
- Sally McCartin, Branford, CT
- Rebecca, Ratliff, Coppell, TX
- Wray & Julie Rives, Coppell, TX
- Rodney Smith Jr., Huntsville, AL
- Laura Springer, Coppell, TX
- Nicole Suchevitis, Naperville, IL
- Lisa Utasi, New York, NY
- Cherie Walker, Coppell, TX
- Sara Wierman, Coppell, TX
- Schawnte Williams-Taylor, Houston, TX
- Theresa Wineman, Gaithersburg, MD
“Our daughter Taylor lived her life to fullest, impacting the lives of many and leaving a lasting legacy. It is with extreme pride that Todd and I congratulate each and every one of the nominees. They are making a difference right now and doing their part to leave their legacy,” said Tara Storch, co-founder, Taylor’s Gift Foundation. “As a registered organ donor, we all have the power to outlive ourselves – just as our Taylor did. Taylor was able to extend the life of five amazing human beings through organ donation.”
The Second Annual Outlive Yourself Awards presented by Methodist Dallas Transplant Institute, co-chaired by Saryn Dietz, Jonathan Dietz, Shaley Espinosa and Javier Espinosa, will benefit the mission of Taylor’s Gift – providing financial assistance to families who have given the gift of life. Guests are invited to enjoy dinner, drinks and unique silent auction items while celebrating the incredible individuals who have made an extraordinary impact in their community and truly embody the “Outlive Yourself” spirit by giving back to others.
This year’s event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 3, beginning at 7:00 p.m. atThe Belo Mansion, located at 2101 Ross Ave., Dallas, Texas 75201. Individual tickets begin at $250 and tables range from $2,500 – $10,000. For more information about the event and tickets, please visit www.TaylorsGift.org.
Since its inception in 2010, Taylor’s Gift is on a mission to encourage supporters to “Outlive Yourself.” What does it mean to “Outlive Yourself?” It’s a spirit of giving and a mindset of going above and beyond for others and living selflessly. Taylor’s Gift encourages individuals to register as organ donors as one way to Outlive Yourself.