Gabriel's story

On Thursday, the Colorado Donor Registry announced the month of April will become the official, National Donate Life month.

The goal is make Colorado the number one state in registered organ and tissue donors. 2-year old Gabriel Basquez's life was saved thanks to a heart transplant.


Gabriel was born without half his heart. The left side didn't develop while he was in the womb. For Gabriel having a transplant was the only way to save his life and he had the surgery 13 days after he was born.

"If Gabriel's donor wouldn't have given the organs then there would be two dead babies and not just one, said his mother, Lisa Basquez.

His new heart came from a 4-month old girl from Oklahoma.

As hard as it is for his family to celebrate his life each year knowing another family mourns a loss, they are thankful.

And hope other will help save a life by making the choice to donate.