Dr. and Mrs. Francisco Cigarroa were honored with the National Kidney Foundation’s 2007 Kathryn Dial Murray Gift of Life Award.
Printer Friendly Format

Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., and his wife, Graciela, received the National Kidney Foundation’s 2007 Kathryn Dial Murray Gift of Life Award on Thursday, March 22. Dr. Bruce A. Brockway, M.D., professor of medicine at the Health Science Center, also received the award.

Named for Kathryn Dial Murray (now Mrs. Louis O. Gueldner), one of the founders of the National Kidney Foundation’s San Antonio affiliate, the award is presented to community volunteers, advocates, and renal care and transplant professionals who have made significant contributions in furthering the mission of the National Kidney Foundation.

Dr. Cigarroa
Dr. Cigarroa is president of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and is a nationally renowned pediatric and transplant surgeon. The first Hispanic in the United States to lead a health science university, Dr. Cigarroa is an accomplished researcher. He has published several scientific papers on principles of surgery for infants and children. In the community, Dr. Cigarroa serves on the board of directors for the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commence and the McNay Art Museum, among others. He is one of only two people in San Antonio who were elected to membership in the prestigious Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.

“As a surgeon, it is a privilege to not only witness, but to be a part of the transplant experience. And as a university president, I’m proud of the progress that is being made in the research, educational and clinical areas of the field,” Dr Cigarroa said. “But the real heroes are those who have given selflessly of their time, talent — and in some cases, their own kidney — so that others may live.”

Mrs. Cigarroa
Mrs. Cigarroa is an attorney whose practice primarily is devoted to businesses, tax-exempt organizations, professional associations and corporations. Her practice also includes child abuse and neglect cases and general counsel for educational institutions. Like her husband, Mrs. Cigarroa is involved in many professional and community organizations. She is chair-elect of the Mental Health Association in Texas. At the Health Science Center, Mrs. Cigarroa is chair of the Premature Infant Development Program Advisory Board and serves on the Council for Excellence in Women’s Health.

“It is an honor to receive this award, but we would not be standing here today if not for the dedication and vision of researchers, health professionals, educators, philanthropists, donors and many more. Thank you for all that you do to make the future bright for those with kidney disease.”

Dr. Brockway

Dr. Melissa Isbell, president of the National Kidney Foundation Board of Directors, presents the award to Dr. Bruce Brockway.

Dr. Brockway, the third recipient, is a professor in the Health Science Center’s department of general medicine and a member of the President’s Council. He is board-certified in nephrology, critical care medicine, internal medicine and geriatric medicine. He is the founder and owner of the Kidney Treatment Centers of San Antonio and serves as a consultant with St. Philip of Jesus Health Center and Barrio Family Health Center.