On September 18 nearly 300 guests attended the 4th Annual Outlive Yourself Awards in Trinity Groves. The event was presented by The Liver Institute at Methodist Dallas, The Transplant Institute at Methodist Dallas and Methodist Transplant Specialists, and funds raised support Taylor’s Gift. The event lineup for the evening included event Chair Robin Bagwell, co-founders Tara and Todd Storch, Joe Winters, husband of Taylor’s heart recipient, and Kristin Cooper whose husband, Tim, was able to save lives when he suddenly passed and donated his organs.
Taylor’s Gift made an exciting announcement that they will be partnering with Southwest Transplant Alliance (STA) in the creation of “Taylor’s Place”, a special area in the upcoming new STA organ and tissue recovery center in Dallas. Taylor’s Place will be a special part in the building just for organ donor families.
“As one who has been given a second chance at life through organ donation, Norm feels that Taylor’s Gift Foundation is a difference-maker offering hope and support in the most difficult of situations. We were honored to serve as chairs of this year’s event,” said Robin and Norm Bagwell, event co-chairs.
2018 Host Committee Member Elizabeth Hughes, 2018 Event Chair Robin Bagwell, and Guest Sandra Estess
The highlight of the event was celebrating the two amazing honorees Dr. Liza Johannesson, a transplant surgeon, and Mrs. Meg Bacino, a living organ donor.
“Every day is a blessing. Receiving an organ changes a life overnight. I cannot describe how emotional it is to realize another family is grieving while you are rejoicing that your family member is being given another chance. Organ donation is in fact a “Gift of Life” and is the true definition of ‘Outliving Yourself.’” – Mrs. Meg Bacino
“I think many people do not believe they can make a difference. But everyone can, you don’t have to be privileged, advantaged or special to make a difference. Use your specific talent and invest your time and energy not in what is, but what can be.” – Dr. Liza Johannesson
2018 Honoree Dr. Liza Johannesson with a transplant patient
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.
Pictured in header image: 2018 Host Committee Member Elizabeth Hughes, 2018 Event Chair Robin Bagwell, and Guest Sandra Estess. Photos courtesy of Taylor’s Gift Foundation.
ABOUT TAYLOR’S GIFT FOUNDATION
Taylor’s Gift Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2010, with a mission to “Regift Life, Renew Health and Restore Families” by increasing official organ donor registries. For more information, visit www.TaylorsGift.org.
