Dante Gómez, Consul for Community Programs for the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago, and Rev. Claudio Díaz, Pastor of Misión San Juan Diego in the suburb of Arlington Heights, IL., have been recognized by Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network for outstanding achievement in promoting organ and tissue donation among members of the religious and Hispanic communities in Chicago.

Named a 2011 Lifesaving Partner by Gift of Hope, Gómez and Díaz were among a number of hospitals, forensic and civic professionals nominated for their work to help Gift of Hope carry out its mission of saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation. Rev. Díaz was honored for years of dedication he has shown to raise awareness of donation in the Hispanic community and to affirm the Catholic Church’s stance on donation for the faith community he serves. Regarding Consul Gómez, he has dedicated a significant part of his work and personal life to learning about organ and tissue donation and spreading the message about the importance of donation in Chicago’s Hispanic community. These distinguished Hispanics received the Lifesaving Partners Award at a ceremony in Oak Brook on April 26. They were among 16 individuals, hospitals and health systems recognized for their commitment to donation. For more information about Gift of Hope and organ and tissue donation, visit www.giftofhope.org/espanol.