SAN ANTONIO- This Saturday, the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance is inviting families to honor their lost loved ones who donated their organs to help save lives. As part of the Dia de los Muertos celebrations, they want to recognize, reflect and remember those who gave the gift of life.
Dia de los Muertos is a holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd that reunites families with their lost loved ones. Family and friends gather together at an ofrenda or altar that pays respects to those who have died. The altars are decorated with marigold flowers, sugar skulls, photos of the ones lost along with some of their favorite foods and drinks.
This year, TOSA want families to remember this is not necessarily a time to grieve, but a time to honor and celebrate them which aligns with the organization’s mission of saving lives through organ donation.
“It’s not a time for grieving and so for allowing us to be able to celebrate those who have given the gift of life and who have given life saving opportunities to others.” said Adriana Almanza, director of donor family services at TOSA, “It’s a ripple effect, in essence, to the community, to their family and their friends as well.”
According to the organization, there are currently over 10,000 Texans who are in need of a life saving organ. They believe by making the decision to become an organ donor, you are helping to save the lives of those around you.
The Dia de los Muertos celebration will be this Saturday, November 1 from 5-7pm at the TOSA building on 5051 Hamilton Wolfe Dr. Families participating will get the chance to place a marigold flower on their loved ones medal at the wall of heroes. There will also be mariachi music by students from Burbank High School.