Menu
2023 Tour Local Event Honorees for Groesbeck
The Cade R. Alpard Foundation for Pediatric Liver Disease, Inc.
Cade’s Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2003 by Scott and Jennifer Alpard for the purpose of supporting and funding the various programs that will make a difference in the lives of children with liver disease. Our mission is to find a cure for pediatric liver disease through the support of research and education.
When Cade was first diagnosed with biliary atresia, we knew he would eventually require a liver transplant. We didn’t think he would need one this soon, but we are thankful he received a healthy liver and now can get back to being a normal, happy, active child.
During the rollercoaster of a year one of the most difficult parts was how helpless and frustrated we felt. The most difficult thing a parent can do is put the life of their child in someone else’s hands. Obviously, this is what was required for Cade to receive the wonderful and compassionate care that everyone at Texas Children’s Hospital provided (in spite of his occasionally demanding and frustrated parents).
During this ordeal, we decided we had to do something that would allow us to feel like we were involved or at least making some kind of difference. We met numerous families and got to know other brave, courageous, and beautiful children that had received a liver transplant or who had some type of liver disease. We felt that we could and should do something to make a difference in the lives of not only these children, and their families, but in the lives of others in the years to come.
In addition, we learned no other organization existed that was solely focused on finding cures for these devastating illnesses. As a result, we created a Foundation, in Cade’s name, focused on pediatric liver disease. It is with a great amount of pride and appreciation that we use Cade’s name for this worthwhile endeavor.
As Title Honoree, The Cade R. Alpard Foundation for Pediatric Liver Disease, Inc will be recognized at each local event along the 2023 Lone Star Circle of Life route.
Trooper Chad Walker – Organ Donor
Chad Michael Walker was born May 21, 1982 to Michael Lynn Walker and Brenda Kay Warren Walker in Corsicana, Texas. He grew up in Groesbeck and graduated from Groesbeck High School in 2000 and from Navarro college police academy in 2003 as his class Valedictorian. Chad enjoyed bass fishing in the Navasota River as a teenager and in his adulthood with his children and parents. Chad 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 began a career in law enforcement in 2003 at Athens Police Department, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, and then served with the Groesbeck Police Department, the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, and joined the Texas Department of Public Safety in 2015. He was very involved in community activities in both Limestone and Freestone counties and was on the Limestone County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
Chad was joined as one, to be married for life, with Tobie Taylor Walker on September 22, 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.”
Holly Black – Blood Donor and aAvocate
“For the past couple of years, I’ve been actively involved in organizing blood drives. It’s truly challenging to convey to the students just how vital their donations are and the profound impact it has on those in dire need of blood.
Having a high school blood drive offers numerous benefits to both the school community. Firstly, it instills a sense of civic responsibility and altruism in students, teaching them the importance of giving back to those in need. Furthermore, hosting blood drives in high schools promotes a culture of compassion and solidarity among students. It fosters teamwork and unity as students and staff work together toward a common humanitarian goal. This experience can also be a source of personal fulfillment and a valuable addition to college applications and resumes. Additionally, emphasizing the idea that every donation matters, regardless of its size, can encourage more students to participate.
I try to highlight the fact that a single donation can potentially save multiple lives or significantly improve the quality of life for someone in need.”
Ernie Goates – Organ Recipient
In November of 2020, I was suffering from what I thought was exhaustion. I asked to be taken to the emergency room to get some kind of infusion to get my strength back up. I remember pulling into the ER parking lot, but nothing again until a week later.
I had been in and out of consciousness. When I was finally able to comprehend, I was told I was sepsis, a kidney stone and cirrhosis of the liver was also discovered. I was referred to a specialist who said I was too weak to be considered for transplant. I spent the next eight months in and out of two different hospitals trying to regain some strength to get on the transplant list. But by that time, my kidneys began to fail as well, and I was told I only had two weeks to live.
But my husband continued to search for someone to help me and he found a hospital in Dallas who was willing to evaluate me. They arranged for a transfer to their hospital and were able to strengthen me and get me on both the liver and kidney transplant lists. They were able to keep me alive until a donor was found. I received a dual liver/kidney transplant only 21 days from being placed on the lists. My prayers were answered.
I am the guardian of my two grandsons who lost their mother when they were only 1 and 3 years old and I have been raising them for the past nine years. My biggest fear during my entire health scare was their mental and emotional well-being. They were still coping with the death of their mother. How were they going to handle losing two mothers in such a short timeframe. But my wonderful donor checked the box to be a donor when she got her driver’s license. Little did she know, only five years later, she would become one. I thank God for her decision every day and pray for her family. It has been such a blessing to have her family in my life; to learn what a wonderful soul she was and how all she wanted to do was help people.
My journey is not over. My liver/kidney disease is due to a hereditary auto-immune disease. I continue monthly monitoring and have had to adjust to a new lifestyle with very strict rules as to what I can and can’t eat and can and can’t do. But I am so incredibly grateful to be alive. Even though I know I run the risk of needing another transplant, I just try to take it day by day and live each day to the fullest. I encourage everyone I talk to about becoming a donor if they are not one already. Even if you think you have nothing to offer because of past medical issues, with all the great strides in medicine, you would be amazed at who still qualifies to be a donor.