A personal loss sparks tissue donation advocacy
In 2020, Tatiana Castillo lost her fiancé, Asante Contreras, in a tragic car accident. He was just two days from finishing paramedic training. At age 20, Asante had already registered as a tissue and cornea donor. His final act of kindness helped save and heal lives and inspired Tatiana towards tissue donation advocacy.
Tatiana’s grief became the foundation of her advocacy. Today, she uses her voice and platform to raise awareness about tissue donation and the lives it can touch.
Building a career in donation support
Tatiana now works as a Tissue Partner Relations Specialist at South Texas Blood & Tissue. Her role involves collaborating with hospital teams to educate staff, support the tissue recovery process, and promote compassionate care for donor families.
Her journey into the field began after attending a Donate Life event in California in 2021. There, she met grieving families and professionals who inspired her path. She later joined the South Texas Blood & Tissue team and has been with the organization for three years.
Advocacy on and off the stage
In October 2024, Tatiana was crowned Ms. Val Verde Texas. She uses this platform to honor Asante’s memory and promote donor registration across her hometown of Del Rio, Texas. She also organizes local events and speaks at community programs about the impact of tissue and organ donation.
“Asante gave to others. I want to continue that mission,” she said. “I speak not just for him, but for all families navigating loss.”
A message for healthcare partners
Tatiana’s story highlights the emotional side of donation. For hospital partners, it’s a reminder that behind every donation is a family, a story, and a legacy. Her work supports both clinical goals and the compassionate care of grieving families.
“There is strength in grief,” Tatiana said. “It can be a bridge to healing—for ourselves and for others.”
