Joyce Baker
Grateful lung recipient
In 2017, Joyce was tethered to an oxygen machine, hoping for a future where she could return to her once active lifestyle.
A year later, Joyce received the life-saving lung transplant she desperately needed.
Eager to know more about the person who saved her life, Joyce connected with her donor’s family and learned that her donor is Antonio Espinoza, a young man, who died only days after his 21st birthday. She now shares a bond with Antonio’s family and they visit his grave each year together.
She’s also developed an appetite for two of Antonio’s favorites, spicy food and tequila.
“I want to yell to the world, ‘Please register to be a donor!” said Joyce.
Photo: Antonio’s sister, Ana, and Joyce, at Antonio’s gravesite while filming the documentary-style video “Antonio’s Gift.”
In the spring of 2024, LifeCenter Northwest coordinated the filming of the story of Antonio Espinoza, interviewing both Joyce and Antonio’s sister, Ana, about the family’s decision to donate his organs, and how this decision brought peace and connection during their time of grief. This video continues to inspire others to leave a life-saving legacy and register as an organ and tissue donor.
Ana shared that some in the Hispanic community believe that organ donation is taboo, although most religions and cultures support donation as the ultimate gift. Knowing Antonio was always willing to help others, the decision reflected who he was.
“To know that people are breathing, walking, talking and still alive because of my brother, I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Ana said.
Photo: As a grateful lung recipient, Joyce continues to volunteer her time and give back. Joyce is photographed here ironing quilts that will be given to donor families for comfort and memory-making activities during their loved one’s organ donation.
Photo: Joyce joins LifeCenter Northwest staff at an outreach event to share the impactful message of organ, eye and tissue donation.
