2025 Tour Local Honorees for Abilene
Jackie Whiddon – Organ Donor
Dear Friends, Family, and Community,
We want to take a moment to honor the memory of our beloved Jackie Whiddon—a young man whose heart and spirit touched so many lives. Jackie was a vibrant, kind, and loving individual who always sought to help others, whether it was through a small act of kindness or leading his teammates to victory.
Though Jackie left us at the young age of 17, his legacy is far from gone. Through the gift of organ donation, parts of Jackie live on in the lives of others. We have received heartwarming letters from the recipients of his heart, kidney, and pancreas, sharing how they are now enjoying life to the fullest—playing sports, camping, and cherishing time with their families.
These stories bring us comfort and hope, reminding us that even in loss, life and love continue. We invite you to celebrate Jackie’s life and the incredible impact he has made through the ongoing toy drive in his memory and his recognition at the Lone Star Bicycle Tour.
Thank you for your continued support, kindness, and love. Together, we keep Jackie’s spirit alive and remind everyone of the power of compassion and generosity.
With gratitude,
Tony and Carolyn Lujan
Casey Blanton – Organ, Tissue and Cornea donor
“I’ve always heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. But when I look at this photo of our son, Casey, even a thousand words can’t capture the magnitude and ripple effect of his life-saving gifts. It’s still hard to wrap my mind around how much of him continues to live on through others.
Casey was only 23 when he became an Organ Donor Hero in 2014. He had a ten-thousand-watt smile, a big sense of humor, a generous heart, and a knack for mischief. We miss him desperately. But knowing that he’s given others a second chance at life brings us a peace that words can’t fully explain. Because of his gifts, Casey is loved by people who never had the privilege of knowing him.
His legacy didn’t stop with organ donation. Through tissue donation, Casey continues to make a difference. Most people don’t realize that once tissue allografts are processed, they can be stored and used for up to five years in life-changing surgeries—like heart valve replacements, sports injuries, hip repairs, skin grafts, and more. Casey’s tissue donations alone have helped over 100 individuals.
In 2018, we had a very special day when we met Brenda in Kerrville, the woman who received Casey’s heart. That reunion was a beautiful reminder of the impact one life can have.
Wherever a beautiful soul has been, they leave a trail of beautiful memories. Though our hearts still ache, we smile knowing Casey’s spirit lives on in those he helped.
Thank you for honoring our precious Casey through the Lone Star Circle of Life Bike Tour.”
Casey will be honored at the Lone Star Circle of Life event in Abilene on Wednesday, November 5th. The event will be at McMurry University, time to be determined. Please check the website for updates at LSCOL.com. We invite you to join us in celebrating those we honor!
Morgan Amanda Lee – Organ Donor
July 18, 1994 – August 13, 2014
Morgan had the gift of making others laugh, and her smile was truly contagious. She loved all animals—especially dogs—and was known for taking in any homeless pet she could convince us to keep. Her heart was kind, her spirit generous, and she lived life freely and fully.
Morgan never met a stranger. She loved deeply and openly, embracing everyone she met with warmth and sincerity.
True to her caring nature, Morgan had just moved to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University, where she planned to study nursing. Just two weeks before her passing, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of a close friend. That moment shaped her decision to become an organ donor—a choice she made with conviction and compassion. She told us clearly: if anything ever happened to her, she wanted to help others. And on August 13, 2014, Morgan gave the ultimate gift—offering life and hope to others through donation. Her selfless act saved six lives that very day, and through tissue donation, she touched and healed hundreds more.
Morgan is, and always will be, our hero.
Joel Owens – Organ Recipient
“My name is Joel Owens. My wife, Laurie, and I have 5 children and 11 grandchildren between us. I’m a superintendent for a general contractor and one of those guys who was very seldom sick and hardly ever missed a day of work.
On July 2018, at the age of 64, I went in for my yearly checkup then went on to work. That afternoon I received a call from the doctor’s office and was told that my kidneys were shutting down and I needed to go to the closest ER ASAP. After a week in the hospital, I was diagnosed with ANCA Vasculitis (a rare auto immune disease that attacks small blood vessels of which the kidneys have millions) also I was told that I had 12% kidney function. With chemo treatment, high doses of steroids and a strict renal diet we were able to maintain enough kidney function to avoid dialysis for eight months. Once I did have to go on dialysis, I tried every form of dialysis there is, including in center treatment at DaVita, home peritoneal and, with my wife’s support as care giver, home hemodialysis.
Although I am thankful for the doctors, nurses and the support of my wife keeping me healthy enough to receive a transplant, there is no good form of dialysis. Dialysis basically takes over your life. It’s hard on your body and hard on your family. As one of the kidney transplant surgeons put it “Dialysis is not your friend and you need to get off of dialysis as soon as possible”.
After six years of dialysis, I finally received a kidney transplant on May 10, 2025 and doing well. For me, continuing working as much as possible throughout the entire process helped me stay healthy and helped me keep a positive attitude. You also need to be your own self advocate by checking out and signing up to as many transplants centers as possible and don’t give up.”
Kyle Jackson – Blood and Platelet Donor
When the towers fell on 9/11/2001, I watched with pride as millions of Americans volunteered to donate blood. I suspected that the response would be temporary, so I decided that in a few years from then that I would become a regular donor for the Hendrick Hospital in Abilene.
I have always believed that Americans should serve their community in some way. Mine was by being a blood and platelet donor. I have donated regularly for over 20 years now and am a 100 gallon platelet donor.
Tracy Martin – Organ Donor
We would love to share the memory of Tracy Martin who passed away in November of 2023 after an intracranial hemorrhage. Tracy gave the ultimate gift by being an organ donor and giving life to others. She is remembered by our family as hardheaded and stubborn and tolerated more than others but loved fiercely.
Tracy is loved and missed dearly by her partner, sons, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, friends and several others whom’s lives she touched. She always made sure we celebrated one another and made sure every holiday called for a gathering. Tracy was surrounded by dozens of friends and family during her honor walk as she was transported to the Legacy Center in DFW to share her gift.
Although, we do not have her by our sides anymore, we find peace in knowing that her death was not meaningless. Several others now have more time with their families through the gifts that Tracy shared. We would love to honor her memory and share the blessing provided through organ and tissue donation.
Trudie Brown – Blood Donor
“We all have our reasons for donating blood – maybe it’s to give back, maybe it’s to make a difference, or maybe it’s because it feels good to help others. For me, it’s all three.
Donating blood connects us in a way that’s meaningful and real. I have been donating blood for the past 30 years. It gives me great satisfaction each and every time knowing I am helping someone. Of course, the gifts, t-shirts and snacks are great, but nothing beats saving a life. It also helps that I am O negative. My blood is universal, which means anyone can receive my blood. O negtive donors are also referred to as Trauma Angles because our blood is kept in trauma centers for emergency use when the blood type is not known. Every blood donor is a lifesaver.
Christopher Shields – Organ Donor
A Legacy of Love and Generosity
Chris, in His Own Words – Chris had a way of describing himself that perfectly captured his spirit. He once wrote: “PAIN HEALS, CHICKS DIG SCARS, AND GLORY LASTS FOREVER.”
I hated college, but I love to learn. I never lie. I say things that hurt people’s feelings because I’m too darn honest. I love to be outdoors. I love to work. I love to read. I hate stupid people. I drink and smoke and don’t give a darn if you don’t like that. I could care less what people think of me.
I am always thinking two steps ahead. I think way too much. I have a big heart. It sets me up to crash every time I care about those around me. I choose my friends carefully. I will make you mad at some point. I’m not too proud to ask. I’m not too proud to apologize.
I love my motorcycle. I could never express the gratitude my dad deserves. I hate to fight. I won’t fight with a girlfriend. I make mistakes—I have made big ones in the past. I appreciate what I have. I am who I am, and I will never change. I love to meet new people. I can’t get enough of live music.
If Chris would have updated this, I think he would have told you he loved his Hummer also.”
A Mother’s Love. Chris’s mother remembers his warmth and the small moments that made him unforgettable: “I miss his hugs. I miss his loud laugh. I miss the way he would ask if I wanted to watch a movie, and he would play his guitar while we watched. I miss his honesty. I miss his blue eyes and bright red hair. What I don’t miss is his motorcycle. On the day we lost him, as he was going out, he gave me a hug and told me he loved me. There are so many things that come to mind about our relationship, but the one thing I do remember is that I miss him with all my heart.”
A Brother’s Tribute – Chris’s brother remembers a man of unmatched generosity: “My brother Chris was the most selfless, generous man I’ve ever met, kind beyond his years. I miss him every day, but I am very happy that he gave a fantastic family a second chance to have a family. I can’t wait to see you again, Bubba.”
His Lasting Gift- Chris’s life was full of love, laughter, and adventure—but it didn’t end there. Through the generous gift of organ donation, Chris gave others the chance to live, to love, and to continue their stories. His legacy is carried on not only by his family and friends but also by the families whose lives were changed forever by his gift.
Glenn Rosario – Heart Transplant Recipient
“My name is Glenn Rosario and I received Christopher Shield’s heart. I was a 45-year-old man with a wife and three children, dying of congestive heart failure. Now, 17 years later (and counting), because of Chrisopher and his family’s decision, I am alive and well and forever grateful.”
Cameryn Plemons – Tissue Recipient
At just 17 years old, Cameryn Plemons faced a competitive athlete’s greatest fear. A passionate cross-country and track runner, she quickly rose to competitive success—until devastating knee damage threatened to end her dreams forever. Doctors told her she would never run again, but Cameryn’s determination led her to a life-changing transplant surgery (Patella Right Osteochondral graft), made possible by the generosity of a heroic donor and their family.
Only six months later, she was running again and soon completed a half marathon. Another six months after that, she defied all odds and crossed the finish line of a full marathon. Reflecting on her gift, Cameryn shares: “I always thought donation was most impactful when it was an organ. But for me, it was about quality of life. The smallest things can impact people in the greatest of ways. My life is significantly improved because of it.”
Cameryn recently had another procedure on her left knee and received five more donated tissue grafts! Today, every stride she takes is a tribute to generosity, resilience, and the power of donation.
Megan Gilbreath – Organ Donor
Megan was a graduate of Clyde High School and had attended Cisco Junior College and Angelo State University taking courses in anticipation of a career in nursing. She had started college a year early and was scheduled to walk the stage for graduation with her class in June of 2010.
Megan was a bright and beautiful young lady with a promising future ahead of her. She loved life and had many interests including singing, golf, disc golf and photography. She was a wonderful singer and had been active in the school choir for several years. She was a trainer for the Clyde High School football team and a manager for the basketball team during her high school career. She was a member of the golf team her sophomore and junior years.
She had been a Junior Volunteer and worked as a transport aide at Hendrick Medical Center prior to going to San Angelo. She was so full of life and joy. She always had a smile for everyone and people always smiled. Megan was an amazing young woman with an incredible future ahead of her.
Megan was killed in an automobile accident in 2010. She continued to help others, even in her death, through being an organ donor. Being an organ donor was very important to Megan, and she was able to save many lives through her gift.
Rebecca Miller – Searching for a Marrow or Stem Cell Donor
“My name is Rebecca Miller, and I am 26 years old. I was diagnosed in July with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and since then, my life has changed in ways I could never have anticipated.
Prior to my diagnosis, I was pursuing my passion as a Law Enforcement Officer, but due to my ongoing medical treatments, I have had to take a leave of absence from my career. I have undergone multiple procedures, including bone marrow biopsies, lumbar punctures, and extensive chemotherapy treatment. Unfortunately, my journey is far from over. I have been informed that I will need a bone marrow transplant, and my medical team at Baylor Scott & White in Dallas is currently working to find a suitable donor match.
I have also been informed that the aggressive nature of the chemotherapy could lead to early menopause, potentially making it impossible for me to have children naturally. In light of this, I am in the process of exploring fertility preservation by extracting and freezing my eggs, but the financial burden of this procedure is significant and I have had to postpone this vital step.
My oncologist has recommended additional chemotherapy to help manage my leukemia, but this treatment cannot proceed until the fertility preservation process is complete. I remain hopeful that I can continue to fight both for my health and for my future.”
Jazz Kade Jones – Organ Donor
Jazz Kade Jones was born on August 2, 2004, in Abilene, Texas. He grew up attending school at Wylie, where he played sports when he was younger. At an early age he developed a solid work ethic assisting his father Garrett on the farm. It was during this time he gained a love for welding, farming, taking care of and tending to livestock. His love for livestock was shown through his work with FFA where he took pride in showing his pigs.
He will always be remembered for his selfless nature, compassion for others, always being on the go, and his fierce independence. He was a true Texan and had his own unique way of doing things that can only be described as, “That’s Jazz”. Our goal as a family and his group of friends, is to always remember the love he shared and to do our best to “Love Like Jazz.”