Lifesharing was among the Emmy nominees announced May 3, 2024, by the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Our short film, “The World’s Biggest Superhero,” was nominated for outstanding achievement by a video essayist — one of only two films nominated in this category.

“The World’s Biggest Superhero” is a loving tribute to Lifesharing organ donor Gavin Raceles, 7, of Oceanside, California. Gavin told his parents he wanted to be the world’s biggest superhero because he wanted to help people. Tragically, Gavin suffered fatal complications from intestinal malrotation just a few weeks after saying those words.

Through organ donation, Gavin fulfilled his promise of becoming a superhero — he saved three lives when Lifesharing found matching recipients for his heart, liver, and kidneys.

Gavin’s parents, Tawni and Chris Raceles, praised their son’s heroic final act in poignant interviews with Lifesharing Public Relations Director Anne State. State served as both the photographer and editor for this Emmy-nominated film.

(The “Video Essayist” category recognizes excellence by a single filmmaker telling a story without a reporter, narrator, or host.)

The 2024 OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade Float, “Woven Together: The Dance of Life,” won the Judges Award for most outstanding float design and dramatic impact. The float featured the floral portraits of deceased organ donors from across the nation—including a young Lifesharing organ donor named Gavin Raceles.

Gavin was only seven years old when he suffered a medical episode that resulted in brain death. Knowing their son’s life could not be saved, Gavin’s parents made the courageous decision to donate his organs through Lifesharing. In 2019, Gavin saved three lives when Lifesharing found matching recipients for his heart, liver, and kidneys.

A couple of days before the 2024 Rose Parade, Gavin’s floral portrait was placed on the float during a heartfelt ceremony in Irwindale, California. Volunteer Dan Sandoval paused to pay tribute to Gavin, thanking him for giving the precious gift of life.

Lifesharing arranged for Gavin’s parents, Tawni and Chris Raceles, to attend the Rose Parade in person and witness their son’s portrait glide down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena on New Year’s Day. “To see him up there with all these other heroes, we just feel so honored,” said Tawni.

Public Relations Director Anne State (center) and her sisters Laura Brown (left) and Laurie Bergman (right) are a proud organ donor family who represented Lifesharing at the Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards in Rancho Mirage on June 17, 2023.

Anne was nominated in the “Video Essayist” category for her film honoring San Diego Fire-Rescue Captain Robin Cervantes, an organ donor who saved four lives after he passed away in 2019. The floral portrait of the late Capt. Cervantes was featured on the 2023 Donate Life Rose Parade Float; the film documents his family’s journey to Pasadena.

In an interview at the awards show, Anne explained the emotional process of creating films for Lifesharing:
“I feel a duty to the families. I just want to tell their story in the most respectful way — in a way that is befitting of a hero.”

Anne was quick to credit her Lifesharing colleagues for making these films possible:
“This nomination is not just the culmination of my work, but their work, too.”

You can watch Lifesharing’s Emmy-nominated film by clicking on the link below:

In May of 2023, Lifesharing helped transplant 62 organs — setting a single-month record for the organization. This milestone would not have been possible without the heroism of San Diego organ donors and donor families.

Lifesharing’s organ team coordinated donations from several individuals throughout the month, finding matching recipients for organs such as hearts, lungs, livers, and kidneys. Approximately one-third of the organs were transplanted over the extended Memorial Day weekend, when Lifesharing managed seven organ donor cases simultaneously.

Over a four-day period, 21 lives were saved.

During the month of May, Lifesharing also recovered life-enhancing tissues from 49 selfless donors — including skin, tendons, and heart valves.

Organ procurement coordinator Casey O’Brien has been named Lifesharing’s “Nurse of the Year” for 2023. Casey joined our team in 2019 and travels to hospitals throughout San Diego County to coordinate the organ donation process. She works to find matching recipients for donated organs such as hearts, lungs, livers, and kidneys.

Casey is meticulous in her attention to detail, and her critical care skills helped us save a record number of lives in 2022. Because of her advanced knowledge, she frequently serves as the administrator on call for Lifesharing’s organ donor cases. In that role, she oversees all aspects of the clinical process and provides support for our teams on the frontlines.

Casey has spearheaded efforts to increase organ transplants and was invited to speak at the annual meeting of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) in June.

Casey’s compassion, engagement, and positive attitude help her connect with donor families, hospital workers, and fellow colleagues. She is a leader and a true team player who always gives 100%.

That’s why she’s Lifesharing’s 2023 Nurse of the Year.