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East Texan Meets Family of Organ Donor Who Saved His Life
Magdaleno 'Junior' Jacquez embraces the family of hero donor Armando Olivan in emotional reunion
Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:20am
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Magdaleno 'Junior' Jacquez, his wife, and grandson met the family of hero donor Armando Olivan, who donated his liver and kidneys after a fatal accident in 2023. Jacquez received Olivan's liver and emotionally embraced Olivan's wife, Maria, during the reunion at a brewery in Tyler, Texas. Jacquez had been diagnosed with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease 10 years prior and his condition rapidly deteriorated in 2023 before receiving the life-saving transplant.
Why it matters
This story highlights the critical importance of organ donation and the profound impact it can have on recipients and their families. It also raises awareness about National Donate Life Month in April, which aims to educate the public on the need for more registered organ donors.
The details
Jacquez, who lives in Longview, Texas, was diagnosed with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) 10 years before his transplant. His condition rapidly worsened in April 2023, leaving him barely able to walk or sleep. After being placed on the transplant list, Jacquez received a call at 5:30 a.m. on November 16 that a donor had been found - Armando Olivan, who had died in a horseback riding accident at age 47. Jacquez underwent the life-saving surgery that evening.
- Jacquez was diagnosed with NAFLD 10 years before his transplant.
- Jacquez's condition rapidly deteriorated in April 2023.
- Jacquez received the call about his donor on November 16, 2023.
- Jacquez underwent the transplant surgery that same evening on November 16, 2023.
The players
Magdaleno 'Junior' Jacquez
A resident of Longview, Texas who received a liver transplant from organ donor Armando Olivan in 2023.
Armando Olivan
A 47-year-old man who died in a horseback riding accident in 2023 and donated his liver and kidneys, saving Jacquez's life.
Maria Olivan
The wife of organ donor Armando Olivan.
What they’re saying
“During recovery, mentally, all I could ever think about every time I got super happy about being here, I knew somebody was gone. So you wake up every morning with that guilt that you don't deserve it. Why me? Now meeting them, I know it was the right thing and that I didn't not deserve it and it was for a reason.”
— Magdaleno 'Junior' Jacquez, Organ Recipient
“My intention was always to reach out to the family. We were told that sometimes the families just don't want to meet, especially early on because it's still fresh, but my intention was to already let them know at any time, we would welcome the opportunity.”
— Magdaleno 'Junior' Jacquez, Organ Recipient
What’s next
The meeting between Jacquez and the Olivan family comes shortly before the start of National Donate Life Month in April, which is an annual campaign to raise awareness about the critical importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.
The takeaway
This emotional reunion highlights the profound impact that organ donation can have, not just on recipients like Jacquez, but also on the families of donors who make the selfless decision to give the gift of life. Jacquez's story underscores the urgent need for more registered organ donors, especially as over 100,000 people nationwide await life-saving transplants.
