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Day: February 15, 2023

February 2023: Foundation Board Member Spotlight

Posted on by Angelica Sandoval

Pam and James Smothers

What part of the organization and mission speaks most to you and why?

We’ve had a family member directly impacted by blood donation. Pamela’s sister received a lifesaving blood transfusion after a traumatic labor about 6 years ago. James & I are proud to donate our time, our resources, and our voice to help make sure that blood is available to anyone in our community that may need it. 

What do you like to do?

We love to spend time with our family – traveling, attending our (3) children’s athletic events and trying new restaurants! 

What motivates you?

Working every day to be the best followers of Jesus and the best parents/spouses to our family. Additionally, helping people on their journey toward homeownership through our small business.

The Red and White ball is always such a great event to raise funds and awareness. We’re excited to get the San Antonio builder and real estate community involved with blood drive events and fundraising to support The Blood and Tissue Center Foundation’s mission.  

South Texans attend major tissue donor family event 

Posted on by Angelica Sandoval

“ASANTE WAS JUST A BRIGHT LIGHT. HE LIFTED UP THE ROOM. HE JUST MADE EVERYONE HAPPIER BY BEING AROUND THEM.“​
         -Anja Contreras, Asante’s Mother​

Earlier this year, through sponsorship from Xtant Medical, a partner of South Texas Blood & Tissue, and support from the Blood & Tissue Center Foundation, the family of tissue donor Asante Contreras attended events surrounding the decoration and launch of the Donate Life America float in the Tournament of Roses Parade. 

Contreras, whose posthumous donations have helped at least 95 patients, was one of 39 tissue donors featured on the float in what are known as floragraphs – portraits made entirely from organic materials. 

The float marked the 20th anniversary of Donate Life America’s participation in the parade through the streets of Pasadena, California. 

“It is the world’s most visible campaign to inspire organ, eye and tissue donations.”

Kimberly Monroe, South Texas Blood & Tissue. 
Asante’s mother, Anja and his floragraph.
The Donate Life Rose Parade Float “Lifting Each Other Up”

This year’s float won the parade’s highest honor, the Sweepstakes Trophy. 

It also gave the South Texas family a chance to bond with other tissue donor families at several events before the parade on New Year’s Day. 

“On behalf of the family, thank you very much,” Monroe said. 

To learn more about Donate Life and register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, visit DonateLifeTexas.org.  

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