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Former JBLM soldier donated life

Francisco "Frank" Sarabia's kidneys saved two lives

A former JBLM soldier and wounded Iraq war veteran, Staff Sgt. Francisco Sarabia will be honored April 15 for saving the lives of two strangers through the donation of his kidneys. Courtesy photo

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There was no question in Francisco "Frank" Sarabia's mind about donating his organs.

"He believed in doing the right thing," Ashley Antonich, his daughter, wrote in an email. 

"When it came to organ donation, he believed donating his organs was the right choice for him."

One of seven children, Sarabia grew up in California. Determined to serve his country and make a better life for his family, he joined the Army.

During multiple deployments during his 23 years of service - one to Iraq where he was wounded - Sarabia was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord from 1998 until his retirement in 2009.

He died in March 2012 as the result of an accident. His kidneys now provide life for two other individuals.

"My dad was caring; he was always there for us when we needed him," Antonich continued.

Not only did he care for his family, Sarabia provided life to others.

April is Donate Life Month, and the point is to raise awareness about organ donations.  

Helping to get the message out is LifeCenter Northwest

A federally designated and regulated non-profit organ procurement agency, LifeCenter Northwest serves 7.7 million people spread throughout Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho and Washington.

"We assess a potential donor's medical suitability for donation, provide clinical support, and manage the recovery of both organs and tissue," wrote Jennifer Bergman, strategic communications officer.

"We are most fortunate to have people like Ashley Antonich - finding hope through their grief and being willing to share that story with others." 

More than 115,000 people in America are waiting for a life saving organ transplant, including almost 2,000 in the Pacific Northwest.

At 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 15 in the Washington State Capitol Building, Gov. Jay Inslee will posthumously honor with a Gift of Life Award six donors who saved numerous lives through the donation of their organs.

Staff Sgt. Francisco "Frank" Sarabia will be honored for having served beyond his passing.

"It's difficult to convey how much it means to me to accept this award from the governor on my father's behalf," Antonich continued. 

"I hope by accepting this award and speaking out I can raise awareness around the benefits of organ donation and encourage others to become donors as well."

For more information on LifeCenter Northwest and organ/tissue donations, visit lcnw.org or call 1.877.275.5269 to request a brochure to fill out and return.

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