A Legacy Built by Central Texans
On September 24, 2026, We Are Blood celebrated 75 years of saving lives locally with the inaugural Legacy of Life Benefit—an evening celebrating the people and partnerships that have shaped our past and will help carry our mission forward.
Blood donors, recipients, healthcare professionals, first responders, volunteers, community partners, staff, and supporters gathered for an evening of celebration, connection and community. Thanks to their generosity, the event raised nearly $115,000 to support We Are Blood’s lifesaving mission and future initiatives.
A Legacy Built by Community
In 1951, a group of local physicians from the Travis County Medical Society recognized that a growing Central Texas needed a strong, stable community blood supply.
What began as a blood bank serving four Austin hospitals and a handful of surrounding communities has grown alongside Central Texas. Today, We Are Blood serves a 10-county region through four donor centers and mobile blood drives seven days a week, providing lifesaving blood products to more than 50 hospitals, medical centers and EMS agencies.
There are many ways to tell the story of that growth through buildings, technology, blood products collected or patients served. But the real story of We Are Blood has always been people: the donors, volunteers, employees, healthcare professionals, first responders, businesses, and community partners who have stepped forward for 75 years to save lives locally. And, even more so, it’s the patients and families that are the heart of our mission.
Honoring Our Lifesaving Partners
At the Legacy of Life Benefit, we had the privilege of recognizing several extraordinary people and organizations that represent the legacy our community has built.
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Dr. Raycho Kurkchijski of Baylor Scott & White Health is a Lifesaving Partner for his more than three decades of compassionate care and unwavering advocacy for patients. Known for bringing joy to his patients and colleagues, Dr. Ray exemplifies the humanity at the heart of healthcare. |
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Dr. Aravind Ramakrishnan of St. David’s HealthCare is recognized for his leadership as over the Transplant and Cellular Therapy program since its inception in 2014. His commitment to innovation, education, and compassionate care has helped advance lifesaving treatment and prepare the next generation of transplant physicians. |
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Dr. Jacob Stephenson of Texas Children’s Hospital Austin is honored for his dedication to caring for critically injured children and their families. As a pediatric trauma surgeon, he transforms the generosity of blood donors into second chances, hope and healing for some of our community’s most vulnerable patients. |
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Austin-Travis County EMS and Chief Robert Luckritz are recognized for helping transform how and where lifesaving blood reaches patients through prehospital blood transfusions. Over five years, they have transfused 1,100+ patients and help fellow EMS professionals expand access to prehospital transfusion care throughout the region. |
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Dr. Amir Mian of Dell Children’s Medical Center receives a Lifesaving Partner Award for advancing pediatric cancer care in Central Texas. Dr. Mian spearheaded the launch of the region’s first pediatric bone marrow transplant program, expanding local access and giving families the chance to receive lifesaving care close to home. |
A Community That Gives
The evening also honored those who inspire our community to give.
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Amy’s Ice Creams received the Philanthropic Leadership Award for years of partnership, blood drives, and donor appreciation campaigns. Amy’s has found creative ways to inspire generosity while celebrating those who give. |
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Liz Picone received the Community Driver Award for her leadership of the Lakeway community blood drive. Six times each year, Liz calls on her community to donate and averages 60+ donations each drive. She demonstrates the remarkable impact one person can have when they inspire others to join the mission. |
Finally, we celebrated a commitment spanning a lifetime.
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At 85 years young, Gary Carter has donated more than 150 gallons with We Are Blood. A U.S. veteran, active platelet donor, advocate, and recruiter for blood and platelet donation, Gary received the Lifetime Achievement Award for a lifetime defined by service and generosity. He reminds us that organizations can only reach milestones like this, because people make extraordinary commitments, sometimes over the course of a lifetime. |
The Reason Behind It All
One of the evening’s most meaningful moments honored the patients and families whose lives are changed by blood donation.
Blood and platelet recipients and their loved ones joined together to represent the countless Central Texans who rely on blood during surgery, childbirth, cancer treatment, traumatic injury and unexpected emergencies.
Their stories remind us that a donation is truly about time. It’s another birthday, another holiday, another graduation, or another ordinary Tuesday with the people you love.
Building the Next Chapter
Seventy-five years ago, a group of local physicians saw what their growing community needed and chose to act. Today, it is our responsibility to build upon what they started.
As Central Texas continues to grow, so will the need for lifesaving blood. Through our strategic plan looking toward 2030, We Are Blood is preparing to Serve, Innovate, Engage, and Empower Central Texans, by expanding capacity and donor access, advancing lifesaving programs alongside healthcare and EMS partners, and inspiring more Central Texans to become part of our mission.
To our honorees, sponsors, attendees, and all those that celebrate this anniversary with us: thank you for helping us reach this extraordinary milestone and for believing in what comes next.
Our legacy is still being written. Together, we will ensure lifesaving blood is there for Central Texans for generations to come.
Here’s to the next 75 years of saving lives locally, together.