Daughter's gift inspires tribute: Photo display honors organ donors

Drea,
Thank you for all you have done and everything you continue to do! We love and miss you dearly xoxoxoxo My prayers and love go out to your family :)

Regina Loya

We have the honor of knowing both Ofelia and Dick Dominguez and their two children, one of which was Andrea. I had always wanted to be a an organ donor too, but never did anything about it. Since Andrea's passing, I formally registered to donate life. I know that personally, Andrea made a huge impact on my decision. I hope others do the same.

Our family had the privilged of knowing Andrea when she was a young girl. She lit up the room with her smile, and happy-go-lucky personality. Andrea was also ready to
help the younger kids from the neighborhood and anyone for that matter. Unfortunately we moved to another city and lost contact with the Dominguez family. After several years we made a trip to El Paso and made contact with them. They welcomed us back to their home with open arms and once again we found ourselves sitting around the kitchen table talking just the way we used to do back in the days. Except, this time we had more adults sitting around the table. Andrea had grown into a beautiful young lady and she joined her parents, my son Chris, and my husband and I at the table. We had a wonder time reminiscing about the good old days. She was the same Andrea, with her beautiful smile, happy attitute, and very attentive and interested in what was being said. I will always remember her smile, her attitute she had towards life, and readiness in helping someone in need. Even though we had a short amount of time with her, she will always be loved and missed by us. The Dominguez family will always be in our hearts and in our prayers.

I am honored to know the Dominguez family. This is certainly a tribute to Andrea and her family. What a gift she has given to others through organ donation, the most precious gift that anyone can give - the gift of life. She certainly "payed it forward", and who knows by how many times, perhaps by hundreds or even thousands; we may never know. I admire and am in awe of Andrea's parents for starting this beautiful "Wall of Heroes." Even though they suffered this great loss, they managed to muster the strength to help others live. They too are heroes along with their daughter, as are all of the families of the organ donors on the "Wall." What a blessing and a fine example of faith they are to me, for they know that Andrea's soul and her spirit live on. I know that one day they will join their Angel Andrea again. I am truly blessed and honored to know this giving and loving family. May God continue to grant them strength.

This is such a wonderful tribute to Andrea. She was a wonderful girl with such a bright future. We miss her very much.