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2022 Local Honorees for Austin
Trooper Chad Walker
Multiple Organ Donor
Groesbeck, TX
Chad Michael Walker was born May 21, 1982 in Corsicana, Texas. He grew up in Groesbeck, graduating from Groesbeck High School in 2000 and from Navarro College Police Academy in 2003 as his class Valedictorian.
He loved anything outdoors – hunting, fishing, his cows, and his kids were a pleasure to Chad. He grew up helping his grandfather, Dennis, with cattle and was proud of his own Beefmaster herd. Chad was very involved in community activities in both Limestone and Freestone counties and was on the Limestone County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
Chad began a career in law enforcement in 2003 at Athens Police Department, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Groesbeck Police Department, and the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office. He joined the Department of Public Safety in 2015 and was stationed in Groesbeck.
Chad was joined as one, to be married for life, with Tobie Taylor Walker in September, 2018. They lived in Groesbeck with their four children Ethan, twin daughters Rylee and Charlee, and newborn daughter, Tulsa June. Chad was a Christian, worshiping at Living Proof Church in Groesbeck.
After Chad’s life of service to his family, friends, and the public, he gave the ultimate gift through the donation of his organs to help keep others alive. The Department of Public Safety said in a statement, “This final sacrifice embodies Trooper Walker’s actions throughout his life and service as a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper.”
Trooper Walker will be honored at each local event along the 2022 Lone Star Route.
Michael S. Walter
Organ Recipient
Michael S. Walter was a wonderful husband, father, son, coach and absolutely the biggest cheerleader and fan anyone could ever have.
Before he was 30, Michael was diagnosed with a rare liver disease, for which there is no known cause or cure. His first organ transplant was on Valentine’s Day 2002. About a year later, he grew very ill and needed a second transplant. Miraculously, he got the call on St. Patrick’s Day 2003 that they had a liver for him. The first transplant involved one major surgery. The second transplant entailed nine that meant a much longer, bumpier road to recovery.
Michael worked hard to go from someone too weak to get out of bed to someone who was an athlete. Sheer determination and drive transformed him into a stellar example of the quality of life that could be achieved after transplant. To honor his donors and their families, he became a global ambassador spreading the word about the need or organ donations and the success of organ transplants.
In 2005, he joined Team USA and competed in his first World Transplant Games in London, Canada. He would go on to ultimately win more than 25 gold medals (plus many silver and bronze) by competing in four World Transplant Games and as a part of Team Texas in seven Transplant Games of America.
He set records in long-distance swimming – an event that most transplant athletes shy away from because it requires endurance. Whether it was in the pool, on his bike, at track and field events or whatever “fun” sport he added to his schedule, Michael constantly challenged himself to beat not the opposition, but his own best times. He was a fierce competitor, but you saw his true heart when he’d win a race but stay in the pool cheering home the swimmer who was struggling just to finish last.
Perhaps Michael’s biggest joy was in team sports, including volleyball, basketball, pickleball and tennis. He was at home with others as the captain of the swim team or coaching the basketball team when he could no longer risk further injuries on the court. He was his teammates’ biggest fan. He gave pointers on how to improve for those who wanted it, but he and his family would be your biggest cheerleaders, too – all showing up and supporting you with their smiles and sideline cheers. If Michael was having a bad day, physically (and there were plenty of those) – you would never know it.
He went from being a patient the transplant team later confided they didn’t think would survive, to being their poster boy, literally. The Dallas hospital has a photo display of Michael and one of his medals hanging in the liver transplant clinic to inspire other patients facing the transplant journey.
Michael lived his life to the motto: “Live Like You Mean It!” He did that every single day to honor the selfless gifts he was entrusted with and took fabulous care of during his 19 “bonus” years. He positively impacted everyone he met along the way. He may be gone now, but his legacy lives.
Preston Tyree
Blood Donor
Preston Tyree has given blood for many years. “I began giving blood as a sophomore in college when the fraternity that I had pledged suggested strongly that giving blood would be a good thing. I found out I was A negative and that there was a need for my relatively rare blood type and so I continued to give. In some of the cities I lived in, St. Louis for example, the blood center put me on a special list to support one of their recipients. That meant that a group of us were “on call” to support a young hemophiliac who occasionally needed whole blood. That was one of things that kept me donating – a real person who I could help.
Over time, I achieved the 40 gallon level and have continued to donate. As I became less active in business, I began to give platelets. It takes more time to give platelets and that was something I had a lot of. For me to give two units takes about 90 minutes. I was giving every Tuesday morning for some years.
In February of 2021 I was diagnosed with colon cancer and had it surgically removed. It appears that the surgery and subsequent chemotherapy were successful and so far, I am showing cancer free. I was told I had to be two years clear of the cancer before I can give again so I’m planning on waiting until March of 2023 to check again and hopefully I can get back on my routine of every two weeks.
Riding with and supporting the Lone Star Circle Of Life has been an amazing experience for me. The support team is awesome and the friends I have made over the years are still part of my life. I intend to continue to support the team but probably will limit my riding to welcoming them into Austin. Looking forward to may years of the LSCOL.”
Matthew Novelli
Kidney recipient and searching patient
Matthew Novelli was born with only one semi-functioning kidney. “At two, my mom was the donor of my first transplant. Unfortunately, due to complications the transplant wasn’t successful and failed in under 24 hours. From there, I was introduced to my first round of dialysis which I endured for most of my second year of life. Just shy of my third birthday I receive my 2nd transplant and am blessed to say that it lasted 20 years, that’s almost three times the average life span of a donated cadaveric organ!
At 22, I was once again in need of a new kidney and began a second round of dialysis. This was a very difficult time for me. I became angry and resentful, withdrawing from the people that I loved. Just leaving my home became an agonizing event. Luckily, I had amazing parents who supported and loved me through my most difficult times. I can never express how grateful I am to them. After two long years, another kidney became available and I was once again blessed and have been well for the past 16 years – again bypassing by far the average life span of a cadaveric organ transplant.
Which brings us to 2021. Although it’s been a tough year, there’ve also been many blessings. I met the love of my life and she and her family have graciously welcomed me into their lives. Tina and I got married in April and welcomed baby Matthew into this world in June.
Why I Need a Kidney? I was in the emergency room several months ago because my creatinine spiked. They gave me a blood transfusion as well because I also have anemia. This was the beginning of the road that leads to dialysis.
I am currently on dialysis three days a week. These treatments last four hours performing the function of a kidney by filtering my blood and removing excess water from my body. I used to dread having to go back on dialysis, but this is what I have to do. The weeks leading up to dialysis were pretty rough. My health had been failing and I felt pretty crumby to say the least. Today, I feel a lot better and my numbers are starting to show up in the normal range.
In the meantime, I am enjoying my time with my family. We welcomed baby Matthew into the world in June – a healthy 10 lbs 11 oz, and is one of my reasons to keep going and not let this kidney stuff drag me down. Tina and the girls have been super supportive, and I know that no matter what the future brings, I got this.”
Dalton Christopher Levesque
Organ Donor
Dalton Christopher Levesque was a native Texan who enjoyed life to its fullest. His personality drew people to him, with his quick wit, huge heart and a smile that would light up a room. He excelled at work and motocross racing but was very humble about his talents. Dalton was always willing to lend a hand no matter what the task and was a man of his word.
With a zest for life and love of adventure, Dalton lived without regrets or holding grudges. He always looked to the future and would say “only look back to change lanes.”
His family is very proud of him and finds comfort with Dalton’s desire to give the gift of life, which only reinforces who he was as a person.
Mark Bunsey
Blood Donor
Mark Bunsey is a long-time blood donor with over 200 donations. As an AB-negative platelet donor, his gift over the years has been invaluable, especially for our pediatric patients across central Texas. Mark is a very knowledgeable donor as well as a blast to hang out with.
Mark says, “For years, I’ve been giving blood and platelets when I can. Just my way of giving back. AB negative is rare, so let’s share some when I can, to help adults and children in need.”
Susie Buda
Organ Donor
Susie Buda was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin Law School. After college she served several Texas state senators in the areas of tax policy and school finance over 13 years, and had recently joined the staff of the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association in 2019.
Susie was known for the sharp mind, contagious joy, fierce wit and fighting spirit she brought to every endeavor.
After surviving a ruptured brain aneurysm in late 2017, she ultimately succumbed to a second in January 2020. A memorial celebrating her life was held in the Texas State Capitol in Austin and drew over 600 people. She gave the ultimate gift of life through organ donation.
Peyton James
Organ Donor
Peyton James was an amazingly bright, funny, and kind young man who left this world at age 13. He loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian. He was also a true Texas Longhorn fan and loved Dr. Who, Pokemon, karate, and video games. Peyton cherished his small friend group and was loved by more people than he even realized.
While his death has left a hole in the hearts of his mother and of all those who knew him, the fact that he saved six lives gives all of them a little bit of sunshine. Peyton always wanted to help people and he got to do that as his final act on Earth.
He is forever 13 and forever missed and loved.
David Menchaca
Organ Donor
David Menchaca – Organ Donor
David Alexander Menchaca, born February 18, 1997 went peacefully to be with our Lord on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at 24 years of age.
A bright, smiling, and loving son, David was a gifted person in the arts.
As a child, David was attracted to the music of Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major and was thereafter hooked on music. He began violin instruction at the age of 4, becoming a member of the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio, from 2005 until 2015. A recent 2019 graduate of Trinity University, he majored in English and enjoyed writing, completing a series of short stories. While at Trinity, David played the violin with the University’s Orchestra all four years as an undergraduate. During this time, he was also introduced to Swing dancing, becoming a proud member of the Trinity Swing Bums. In short, David gave much to the arts in hopes of bringing beauty and hope to those around him.
Family and friends will always remember David for his kindness, generosity, and bright spirit. David was greatly loved by so many, and his memory will continue to live on in the lives of eight others touched by his gift of life through organ donation. The liver donor is David’s uncle.
