2023 Float Walkers
Meet the inspiring living donors.
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Keith Gooch gave a second chance of life to his (late) brother Charles Patrick Gooch and nine others through the Kidney Exchange Program. Keith's late father, Sergeant Charles Gooch received a heart donation after years of fighting heart disease. His sister also battled heart disease before receiving a heart transplant. When his brother Charles took ill, Keith made the life-altering decision to become a living donor. To become a donor, he needed to lose weight. Keith's love and dedication for sports and family would motivate him during this journey with the support of his wife Lynette and four children. Keith, now retired from the Department of Corrections, started a Non-Profit in memory of his late brother Charles called "Chucky's Kids" to promote healthy living, benefits of being a donor/living-donor, post donor support and a scholarship fund. Keith golfs, walks, attends church and trains kids in various sports. Keith believes the legacy of every donor lives on. -
Thomas, a West Point graduate, served for over twenty-two years as an infantryman and judge advocate. To his family, community, and friend, Jo Byrd (kidney transplant recipient), Tom is a quiet and unassuming HERO. In 2019, Tom heard from his family that their good friend and neighbor, Jo Byrd, desperately needed a kidney transplant. Unbeknownst to Jo, Tom contacted the hospital and started the process of testing to see if he would be a donor match. When the hospital called and gave him the good news, he visited Jo’s home and told her the wonderful news that he was a perfect match! The living donor kidney transplant was a success and gave Jo all the opportunities life has to offer, given a second chance. Thomas is a Donate Life South Carolina board member appointed by the Governor and in return for the few days of mild pain, he is proud to walk alongside Jo on January 2nd. -
“I am excited about participating in the Rose Parade on two levels. First, while I am grateful that dental technology has progressed to the point where you can get a tissue transplant for your gums, which I did, I am more excited about walking with my husband, Thomas Dougall, who graciously and faithfully donated one of his kidneys to a wonderful woman in our neighborhood.” Wendy Dougall explained that it was truly a call from God and her husband answered that call. Admitting it was not a difficult choice, the Dougalls believe that the first commandment is to love our God and the second is to love our neighbors as ourselves. Though he was sixty-five undergoing a difficult surgery, you would never guess it now. Wendy looks forward to seeing Jo Byrd, his beautiful recipient honored on the float as well! Wendy thanks Donate Life South Carolina for doing such an amazing work. -
When Yadira Ortega learned that she could test to donate a kidney to her brother, there was no question she would volunteer. After all the comprehensive testing, she found she was in excellent health, and her perfect match meant she could also donate her stem cells. A new research program at UCLA Health, sponsored by OneLegacy, found that by donating her stem cells, Ricardo could eventually come off anti-rejection medication, increasing the life of the kidney and preventing side effects from those medications. At 36 years old, Yadira donated her stem cells and kidney. Ricardo’s improvement was immediate. Yadira’s brother now does things with his children that he was unable to before. He now plays soccer and is pursuing a career in law enforcement. Yadira’s health has not been impacted. As a Behavior Analyst for a school district working with students with special needs, she is passionate about sharing her experience to encourage people to donate and change another person’s life.