Jorge Fernandez lived a life of service to his family, his country, and to the patients he nursed. He served two tours in Iraq with the U.S. Air Force before becoming the first in his family to graduate from college. As a nurse he gave his all, expecting nothing in return. In 2011, at age 32, Jorge collapsed at the finish line of the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Half-Marathon and later passed away, becoming a tissue donor. "His goal was to help anyone in his path whether he knew them or not," said his proud mother, Maria Gloria Fernandez.

Jorge's Story

Originally from Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, Jorge A. Fernandez settled in San Antonio, where he joined the U.S. Air Force and survived two tours in Iraq. Returning home, Jorge became the first in his family to graduate from college and earned a Bachelor's in Nursing from Texas Tech University. He continued his studies there in anesthesiology.

To his sister Lucy, Jorge was a great brother. "He was always there for me with his guidance and unconditional love." To his brother, Vicente, he was a best friend, counselor, and shoulder to lean on. "Jorge was a very unselfish person who gave his all expecting nothing in return. He taught me to strive for what I wanted with the confidence that anything was possible," Vicente said. And to Cyndi, he was the love of her life. "My life was better with him in it and I am a better version of myself because of knowing him," she said.

Jorge was a strong advocate for exercise and well-being. On November 13, 2011, he collapsed at the finish line of the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Half-Marathon and later died. In his brief 32 years, he made a huge impact on the world through his generous, selfless love for others. His tissues transplanted to date have greatly promoted mobility in the lives of others.

Jorge lived a life of service: First to his family, whom he adored; secondly, to his country; third, as a nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit; and finally as a tissue and cornea donor. He lived his life with passion, courage and ambition, not only for himself but for others. He left this world a much better place.

The Jorge Fernandez Scholarship Fund was created in his memory to allow Jorge's legacy of dedication and resilience to carry on.

"My son inspired me to be happy, work less and enjoy life," said his proud mother, Maria Gloria Fernandez. "He taught me that things happen for a reason and at the end of the day, everything would turn out fine. He is a treasure in my life, a human being with lots of courage. His goal was to help anyone in his path whether he knew them or not."