From an early age, David Menchaca’s creativity shone through in so much of what he did.
From learning to play violin at the age of 4 to creating Lego masterpieces, David was a musician, a writer, and most of all, he was known as a caring friend and an “advocate” to those around him.
“David was the perfect child – loving, sweet, caring, curious about things going on around him. Very liberal-minded, and very much into causes and supporting critical social issues going on in the world right now. He advocated for all,” David’s mother, Michelle Menchaca said.
David passed away at age 24 on Aug. 21, 2021. Because he had registered to be an organ donor when getting his driver’s license at 16, David was able to donate his organs, corneas, and tissues to save the lives of others. One of the recipients of David’s donation was a family member battling liver failure.
“His donation not only has helped all these other people, but it also helped his uncle. My brother received his liver.”
Alex Menchaca, David’s father.
As an only child, David had his parents’ full attention, who said they encouraged all his hobbies and passions.
“From a very young age, he was very inquisitive and wanted to learn things, and there was nothing that we didn’t share with him,” Alex said.
With a choice between playing a sport or learning an instrument as a child, David chose to play the violin. His love of music grew throughout his life, and he picked up playing guitar, saxophone, piano and singing. David majored in English and played in the Trinity University Symphony Orchestra during his four years of college.
Michelle and Alex said they often hear from David’s college friends about how he had helped people through challenging times and made a difference in their lives.
“What those kids told us about our son and how he impacted their lives, ‘I was like okay, we did something right,’” Michelle said.
David’s donations continue to make a difference in so many lives. His organ donations went on to save the lives of up to eight patients, his corneas restored sight to two patients and his tissues could enhance the lives of up to 75 patients.
“He was inquisitive- he asked questions and understood the importance of what he agreed to give if the event should ever arise,” Michelle said. “He made the conscious decision to become an organ donor – that was his way of giving back.”
To find out more about organ, eye or tissue donation, please visit the Donate Life Texas website.
