LUBBOCK, Texas — A grieving mother from Shallowater is honoring her son’s legacy by helping save lives through organ donation. Julian Estrada, 24, was described by his family as “the light of the household.” Tragically, that light was dimmed on March 8 when he was found unresponsive.
Despite their grief, the family finds solace in knowing Julian is saving others through organ donation. According to doctors, 13 people die each day waiting for a kidney transplant. Julian’s donation has already made a significant impact.
Julian’s mother, January DeLeon, and his sister, Jewels Estrada, remembered him as a vibrant young man who brought joy to everyone around him.
“Julian was a firecracker,” DeLeon said. “He was funny, amazing, and created so much laughter. He touched a lot of people.”
Julian was found unresponsive early on March 8 after suffering cardiac arrest for 20 minutes. EMS revived his heart after 12 minutes, but the lack of oxygen to his brain meant there was no hope for recovery, DeLeon explained.
Understanding their son’s wish to save lives, the family supported his decision to be an organ donor. DeLeon said, “If we couldn’t keep Julian with us, we know he’s saving others.”
Julian’s organs have already saved three lives. His heart was donated to a 39-year-old who had been waiting 50 days for a transplant. One of his kidneys went to a 37-year-old who had been on the transplant list for nearly five years, and the other kidney was given to a 25-year-old who had waited for over four years.
DeLeon emphasized the importance of organ donation, calling it “the gift of life.”
Related topics:
