2019 Stephanie Jimenez-Hernandez

Name:                                     Stephanie Jimenez-Hernandez

Type of Donation:             Organ, tissue and cornea donor

Age and Location:             Age 27 – San Antonio, TX

Donation Date:                   3/8/2011

Sponsor:                                Honored by Dignity Memorial Providers of New York City

STEPHANIE’S STORY

Born September 1983, in San Antonio, Texas, Stephanie Jimenez-Hernandez was a precocious, spirited and playfully mischievous little girl, who always had a way of making her vibrant presence known. Quick-witted, with a sharp sense of humor, Steph was always first to crack a joke and let out her boisterous laugh and beaming smile.

A devoted daughter and doting sister to her three younger siblings, Steph was fiercely protective of others. She spoke up for anyone, whether a friend or a stranger. She was passionate about music, movies and animals and was especially adoring of her two puppies.

Always a high achiever, Stephanie graduated with honors from Winston Churchill HS. She then attended UTSA, majoring in Biology. Later, she developed an interest in real estate and pursued a career in property management instead. By 19, she was managing her own apartment community. Steph was extremely well liked and respected, by both her colleagues and residents.

For birthdays, holidays or just because, Steph loved giving gifts. Anyone lucky enough to have known her knows just how generous and giving she was. With her very first paycheck, she bought her mom a diamond necklace. Another time, while walking home with her best friend and finding several folded $20 bills by the roadside, Steph bought a card and gave her half to her mother. Every Christmas, after passing out gifts, she insisted on everyone opening theirs, before she would open hers.

From a young age, Stephanie’s generous spirit made her adamantly vocal about organ donation.  In 2011, following an automobile accident, Stephanie’s wishes to be an organ, eye and tissue donor were honored.  Her family finds genuine peace in knowing that their beloved daughter and sister continues living on in every person impacted by her life, including her recipients and their loved ones.

Because of Stephanie, many people have registered to be organ donors and today, Stephanie’s mother is studying to be a funeral director, to honor her memory and to one day assist other families with their grief.

Stephanie’s family continues to honor her legacy, spreading awareness about the most important gift of all… The Gift of Life.