CHRISTUS Southeast Texas - St. Elizabeth recognizes the importance of organ donation

April is National Donate Life Month and CHRISTUS Southeast Texas - St. Elizabeth Hospital is highlighting organ donors and honoring those who have given the gift of life.

"As a nurse, I've seen firsthand how organ donation can transform lives," said April Burge Bertrand, a registered nurse at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas - St. Elizabeth.

On Feb. 7, 2014, Bertrand’s daughter, Lexy, was in a car crash. She said the driver was under the influence.

The 16-year-old had just received her driver’s license months before.

“I vividly remember the conversation we had,” said Bertrand. “Lexy expressed her wish to save lives through organ donation.”

This conversation became the foundation of Lexy's heroic legacy.

Bertrand said Lexy was severely injured in the car crash. She had a broken neck and head trauma.

“Lexy received immediate medical attention and was transported to St. Elizabeth's trauma center,” she said. “Sadly, she was pronounced brain dead the next day.”

Her family was approached by a member of the Southwest Transplant Alliance asking if they would consider organ donation.

“I knew honoring Lexy's wishes was the only answer,” she said. “Lexy's heart, kidneys, and liver were successfully transplanted, saving three lives.”

Not long after Lexy passed, Bertrand said she received a touching letter.

“I got a letter from a woman who received Lexy’s heart,” she explained. “She was so thankful that she was able to continue life and now witness precious moments with her own loved ones, all because of Lexy’s gift.”

Bertrand said she finds hope and a sense of peace knowing her daughter saved other people’s lives.

"I’m amazed by how God designed our bodies to save someone else’s life by allowing the interchanging of failing organs with healthy ones,” she said.

She said there are a couple different ways to become an organ donor: register at the DMV when obtaining or renewing a driver license or sign up online through the Donate Life website.

Bertrand said she now aims to share Lexy’s story in hopes it inspires others to become donors.

“My mission now is to spread awareness about the importance of organ donation,” she said. “I urge everyone to have the conversation with their loved ones, register as organ donors and become heroes like Lexy.”