The Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network is urging people to become organ donors. According to the nonprofit, while 95% of people in the U.S. support donation, fewer than 60% are registered organ and tissue donors.

WTTW News visited a family with deep Chicago roots as they shared how their father saved others’ lives.

Aurelio Salamanca was 78 years old when he died of heart failure earlier this year.

“I grew up seeing him as, like a superhero, you know, like nothing could hurt him,” daughter Liliana Salamanca said. “When you get older, you start noticing things and paying attention to his health, and it’s a reality check.”

For Maria Salamanca, losing her husband and travel partner of 56 years has been a process.

“What I miss the most is that he was so loving with me, and he loved to dance,” Maria Salamanca said in Spanish. “It’s his presence that I miss the most.”

Aurelio Salamanca was a registered donor. When he died, his family received a call from Gift of Hope asking about the possibility of a donation.

“He donated tissue from his body, bones from both arms and legs, and eye tissue,” daughter Maribel Carmona said.

Aurelio Salamanca’s family described him as hardworking and giving. He was a father of four with 13 grandchildren.

“It’s a testament that he continues to give,” son Gerardo Salamanca said. “It’s a beautiful thing that he keeps on leading by example even in his death, and for Latinos, it’s such a taboo, right, to talk about.”

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Aurelio Salamanca was 78 years old when he died of heart failure earlier this year. He was a registered organ donor. (Photos provided by family)

Janet Dominguez from Gift of Hope said she’s been working to dismantle myths surrounding organ and tissue donation. She developed the statewide Hispanic program for the organization.

“It is hard for someone to understand that one individual can actually help save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of another 25 because of the tissue donation,” said Dominguez, who serves in a dual role as director of the Illinois Transplant Fund and manager of community outreach for the Gift of Hope.

Dominguez said the Latino community is one of the groups with the highest need for organ transplants.

“Yet we are the least group to donate and to register,” Dominguez said. “It is important because I know we can make a difference.”

Maria Salamanca said she felt grateful for the partner she had, and it makes her feel good to know parts of him will help others.

As the family looked through photos, they shared what life was like for them in the early ‘70s selling tacos in Humboldt Park. It was something they did for more than 40 years while Aurelio Salamanca also had a long career with the CTA.

“My dad was raised by a single mom in one of poorest neighborhoods in Mexico City,” Gerardo Salamanca said, “and coming here and giving us this life and opening up all types of doors for us was unbelievable.” 

Carmona said everyone should consider becoming a donor.

In Illinois and Indiana, there are currently 5,000 people waiting for a transplant; one out of five is of Hispanic descent.

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