David Vega’s honor at Celebrate Life Gala also acknowledges his niece's organ donation
MARCH 2022
Almost exactly two years after the Georgia Transplant Foundation (GTF) was forced to postpone its 2020 annual Celebrate Life Gala fundraiser because of COVID-19, the GTF triumphantly held a hybrid version of the event — both virtual and in person — on March 12th at the JW Marriott Buckhead hotel. Sponsored by Care Dx, Piedmont Transplant, and the Emory Transplant Center, the Gala recognized champions from the Atlanta transplant community as Celebrate Life Honorees for 2022, one of whom was J. David Vega, MD, professor of surgery and surgical director of the heart transplant program at Emory University Hospital.
This distinction was informed both by Dr. Vega's amazing record as lead surgeon on hundreds of transplants since his arrival at Emory in 1996, and by his personal, familial connection to the transplant process through his niece Abby Bacho, who was only nine years old when she became an organ donor on Christmas Day of 2012 after a tragic car accident, saving the lives of five people in the process.
In the special video shown before his introduction at the event, Dr. Vega was notably moved when he spoke of the generosity of donor families. "I've always had to reconcile myself emotionally, spiritually, and mentally to the tragedy on one side that brings joy to the other," he said. "Every transplant is special and awe inspiring; I consider each one a medical miracle, every time. I've done probably close to 400 heart transplants, and I never take them lightly."
Speaking of his niece, Dr. Vega said, "I remember it like it was yesterday, the events that shaped this. I just want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the gift of life that donor families give at a time of unspeakable tragedy in their lives."
"It speaks volumes for the person David is that he wouldn't accept this recognition without acknowledging Abby's gifts," said Natalie Bacho, Abby's mother and Dr. Vega's sister-in-law, during her speech at the podium. "He's not the type to seek praise. He'd probably rather be at the back of the room or at home."
Due to her husband Steve's critical injuries from the accident and inability to communicate, it was left to Ms. Bacho to make the decision alone for Abby to become an organ donor. "If you would've had the chance to know Abby, and I hope you can see from the pictures of her that were shared this evening, you would know without question that it would have been something she would have wanted," she said to the Gala audience.
After Dr. Vega and Steve and Natalie Bacho left the stage to enthusiastic applause, the Gala's presentations continued and the silent auction picked up speed. By the end of the evening, $372,500 was raised to assist the GTF in its efforts as the primary source for transplant patient assistance and support for all solid organ transplantation in the entire state of Georgia.
