2016 Debra Botelho

Debra_Botelho_OneLegacyDEBRA BOTELHO

Tissue and Cornea Donor

Age 35~Bristol, RI

Donated on 07/28/2006

at San Gorgonio Hospital

Honored by onelegacy.org

Debbie Botelho enjoyed making people laugh and she was the type of person that wanted to save the world.  When Debbie learned her father was in need of a liver transplant, she was tested to be a living donor.  Unfortunately, her liver was not of the same “stature” and she was unable to donate a portion of her liver to her father.  Three weeks later, on July 28, 2006, Debbie passed away; she had registered herself to be a donor only six months earlier.  Debbie’s corneas have helped two women in California and another fifty individuals across the country have received transplants with Debbie’s donated tissue.

Debra’s Story

Debra Botelho was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on February 1, 1971, and was raised in Rhode Island until she was 5 years old, at which time she moved to California.  Debbie earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rhode Island College and a Master’s degree from Hunters College in New York.  She worked with incarcerated juveniles as a therapist in New York and while there, mentored several children.  Debbie loved life.  She enjoyed the ocean, music, and dancing.   She was very proud of her Portuguese ethnicity and strong in her faith.  Debbie enjoyed making people laugh and she was the type of person that wanted to save the world.
When Debbie learned her father was in need of a liver transplant, she was tested to be a living donor.  Unfortunately, her liver was not of the same “stature” and she was unable to donate a portion of her liver to her father.  Three weeks later, on July 28, 2006, Debbie passed away from an accidental
death due to her medication.  Debbie’s mother, Barbara DoCouto, received a call from the hospital and she knew it wasn’t good.  Debbie never spoke with her mother about designating herself as a donor on the state registry, but in speaking with OneLegacy, Barbara learned that Debbie had registered in January of 2006.  When asked about donation, Barbara’s reply was, “Take all of her,” as she knew that her daughter would want to help as many people as possible.
Because of Debbie’s donation and her love for her daughter, Barbara became an OneLegacy Ambassador.  “Fulfilling her wishes to donate and being involved in the Donate Life community has helped me heal,” Barbara says.  “My work as an Ambassador continues every day because I want to spread the message and let others know what one individual can do.”  Debbie’s corneas have helped two women in California.  Fifty other individuals across the country, ranging in age from 19 – 75, have received transplants with Debbie’s donated tissue.  “It’s an awesome feeling to know Debbie has been able to leave a legacy of love and service.  She has touched so many lives and helped many people live a better life,” says Barbara.  “She left this earth doing what she did most– helping others.” Barbara now has a new mission in life and that is to shed light on organ and tissue donation.