Request a Buddy
Please fill out the form below and answer each question to the best of your ability. Once submitted, a member of our staff will contact you shortly
There are currently over 103,000 on the national transplant waiting list
.png)

Rocking Jordan’s Legacy
Keynote
Rock Painting - Learn to Paint Your Own Donate Life Rock
Monica Emerson
Monica, a graduate of Westwood High School in Austin, Texas, pursued general studies at the University of Texas before a career in purchasing at Anixter across Texas and California. Transitioning to full-time motherhood, she raised three boys in various locations, actively engaging in their lives as Coach, Team Mom, and volunteer. Married for 36 years to Brent, Monica became an Ambassador of Hope for LifeGift after losing her middle son, Jordan, in 2019. Jordan's passion for organ donation inspired Monica to connect with his recipients, considering them family. In his memory, she paints rocks to raise awareness about organ donation, embodying Jordan's legacy of making a difference. Rocking Jordan’s Legacy Monica Emerson Keynote Also presenting: Rock Painting - Learn to Paint Your Own Donate Life Rock
Transplant Q&A: Ask the Experts

I am a dedicated and compassionate RN with over nine years of combined experience as an LPN and RN. I have a strong background in healthcare, including liver transplant coordination, hospice, correctional, psychiatric, and acute care nursing. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, this desert girl recently relocated to Houston, Texas, and recently completed her RN to BSN degree

Transplant Q&A: Ask the Experts
Willaim has 18 years as a pre transplant coordinator for kidney at Houston Methodist.

How to Write Your Donor Letter
Jorden Moore serves as one of three Family Support Coordinators at LifeGift. She has the esteemed privilege of working very closely with all donor families of LifeGift’s North region after recovery has taken place. She brings her knowledge of the entire organ, tissue, and eye donation process to the role after coming from her previous position in Southeast Clinical Organ Operations. Jorden is a graduate of Lamar University where she gained profound hands-on experience working with families in the community while obtaining her bachelor’s degree. She is dedicated to providing a meaningful aftercare experience to all donor families.

The Dermatologist's Guide to Healthy Skin
Dr. John Griffin was born and raised in the Houston area. He’s an Aggie at heart, but also graduated from medical school at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston after which he trained in Dermatology at the Mayo Clinic with additional training at SUNY Brooklyn. While on faculty at Baylor Dallas he helped study the impact of skin cancer on organ transplant recipients. Dr. Griffin currently lives in Houston and sees patients at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic where he also studies genetic changes in skin cancer. He is part of the clinical faculty at Texas A&M Medical school here in Houston.

Mental Health: Before and After Transplant
With over 15 years’ experience Shundra is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker working with transplant patients throughout their journey from candidacy, medical board acceptance, and also post-transplant at Houston Methodist Hospital. Shundra primarily works with the lung transplant population, helping patients with issues of anxiety and depression. Shundra, along with her partner, Misty Rivon, LCSW, facilitate a monthly heart and lung support group.

Staying Ahead of Rejection with the Prospera Test
Paulina Guajardo, RN, is a healthcare professional specializing in organ transplantation, procurement, and critical care. She serves as a Clinical Nurse Coordinator at Natera and a Heart Procurement Coordinator at Methodist Healthcare System. Her background includes roles in organ placement, recovery, and transplant coordination at the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance. With experience in trauma and emergency care at multiple healthcare systems, she brings extensive expertise in critical patient management and transplant services.

So You're a Caregiver. Me Too.
Kidney
Brian and I met and married in high school. The summer of 79 before our senior year. We been together ever since for 45 years. We raised 3 children together and have the most fun with our grand kids-Sadie and Jack. I always knew Brian had a heart disease- Brian was born with aortic stenosis, so we visited the cardiologist every other year just to make sure no medication or procedures were needed. One day he was 46 years old and became short of breath. We go to ER and a couple of weeks later landed in Methodist hospital with Dr Torrey. He explained that Brian would not need a valve replacement, but instead a heart transplant. We were both shocked. Instead of the valve going bad, the heart muscle went bad. Months later Brian was living in the hospital connected to a heart pump, waiting on a heart. That is when I began my care giving- for Brian specifically , October of 2008. Of course I have always cared for my kids and our family pets. I’ve been a special education educator for 32 years and so I cared for the student’s needs over the years, as well. But none that prepared me for what was to come- a new kind of care.

So You're a Caregiver. Me Too.
Abby Gray - Caregiver
Liver
Abby Gray is an advocate, author and twin mom. Her husband, Reid Gray, received a Directed Donation liver transplant on January 14, 2019. Their story is full of miracles, as Abby was pregnant with their IVF twins when Reid had his transplant. Abby is passionate about sharing their story to inspire others to never lose hope, and to show the amazing impacts of organ donation.

So You're a Caregiver. Me Too.
Subbu Venkat
Kidney
Subbu Venkat is a seasoned Marketing and Business Development professional with over 35 years of service. He holds a master’s degree in Computer Science. Subbu is an avid runner and has completed twenty five Marathons and eight Half Marathons. Subbu currently serves on the board of directors of the Houston Marathon Committee, as secretary of the board. In the past, he has served on the board of directors for the Houston Area Road Runners Association. Subbu is a living kidney donor, who donated his kidney in September, 2014. He continues to lead an extremely healthy and active lifestyle and he continues to advocate and promote the cause of living organ donation at every opportunity he gets.

So You're a Caregiver. Me Too.
Transplant Jeopardy
Kevin McFarlane RN,
Caregiver - Double Lung
Kevin McFarlane brings more than two decades of experience as an emergency nurse to his dual role as a caregiver for his wife, who underwent a double lung transplant in 2018. Passionate about sharing his insights and challenges, Kevin is a dedicated advocate for the transplant community. His advocacy extends beyond professional expertise, as he openly discusses the emotional and practical aspects of caregiving. By sharing his personal journey, Kevin aims to create a supportive community for others facing similar circumstances. In advocating for the transplant community, he contributes to a broader conversation on the needs and experiences of caregivers, combining his healthcare background with his personal commitment to make a meaningful impact.

If Labs Could Talk: A Guide to What Your Blood is Saying
Ana Bonmati, BSN, RN, CCTC, MHA,
Ana María Bonmati is a Liver Transplant Coordinator at Houston Methodist, with extensive experience in patient care, clinical research, and healthcare management

If Labs Could Talk: A Guide to What Your Blood is Saying
Lily Batta RN, MSN, CCTC,
Lily earned her nursing degrees from the University of Maryland School of Nursing. She began her nursing career as an acute surgical nurse at the University of Maryland Medical Center in June 2006. In 2011, she was promoted to Senior Transplant Quality Coordinator at UMMC. Since then, she gained nearly a decade of experience in the transplant field.

If Labs Could Talk: A Guide to What Your Blood is Saying
Korie Bergeron BSN RN-BC CCRN
Korie has 2 years serving as a post liver transplant coordinator at Houston Methodist and 1 year as a bedside nurse at HM CVICU caring for heart, lung, and multi organ transplant patients

Transplant Fitness - Key tips for Staying Active
Jenny McFarlane, CPT
PPTF President
Jenny McFarlane, a Cystic Fibrosis survivor, underwent a double lung transplant in September 2018 in Houston, Texas. Originally from New Mexico, she moved to Houston for the transplant and lived there for five years before relocating to El Paso. Jenny's lifelong commitment to helping others extends to her passion for giving back to the transplant community, manifested through the establishment of a foundation to support those facing similar challenges. She also shares stories and resources through her podcast, helping to educate and inspire others navigating the transplant journey. Fitness has become an important part of her life post-transplant, allowing her to rebuild strength and embrace a healthier future.