Norm Bagwell is “embracing a new lease on life” following a kidney transplant, with his wife Robin as the donor.
By Alicia Wanek
A well-known 90’s song declares, “I would do anything for love…” Sometimes, that commitment is genuinely tested. For Robin Bagwell, her choice to donate a kidney to her husband Norm represented the most profound act of love. Unbeknownst to them at the time, this decision would significantly transform their lives.
Norm reflects on how confronting his own mortality was an unexpected gift. “It provides a stark perspective,” he states. “You begin to grasp what truly matters. It sharpens your focus.” Their family’s current approach to life exemplifies this sentiment.
Norm had been aware for some time that his kidneys would eventually fail. As the inevitable approached, he discovered that the top transplant team in the nation was conveniently located at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Initially, many assumed his brother, who closely resembles Norm, would be the best donor. However, after thorough testing, it was revealed that Robin and his sister were the closest matches. It was almost miraculous that Robin, not a blood relative, was such a compatible donor. She recalls, “It wasn’t a hard choice at all. He has always been my rock. I felt so fortunate to do this for him.” With a touch of humor, she adds, “People often talk about how self-sacrificing it was to give my kidney. Honestly, I just didn’t want to raise two kids by myself!” Norm acknowledges, “I could never repay her for her sacrifice. All I can do is maximize this second chance,” which he has been doing for the past eleven years.
Currently, Norm serves as the CEO of Bank of Texas, Executive Vice President of BOK Financial, and the newly appointed Chairman of the Baylor Health Care System Foundation. Robin has dedicated years to volunteering with various organizations in Dallas, and collectively, they received the Margaret Sharpe Award for their community service efforts. For Norm, the focus has been “more about moving forward than reflecting on the past.” They’ve recognized that his transplant has become an integral part of their story. Since the transplant, they have actively mentored both donors and recipients navigating the process, realizing they also have a role in raising awareness about organ donation. In 2016, Robin received the Outlive Yourself award from the Taylor’s Gift foundation to advocate for organ donation, and in 2018, the Bagwells will chair the corresponding event.
This journey has imparted valuable lessons to Robin and Norm, teaching them to cherish every moment. They are dedicated to instilling this appreciation in their children. The Bagwell family has ensured they create lasting memories, from attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a presidential inauguration to enjoying the Super Bowl to support Norm’s cherished New Orleans Saints. They take great pride in seeing their commitment to servant leadership mirrored in their children. Lauren is now an educator pursuing a PhD in curriculum, while Nolan serves as a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a senior in the business program at TCU.
Norm encourages others by saying, “When confronted with challenges, you can choose to be angry or bitter; however, that’s just a waste of energy.” His guidance resonates with his children, the transplant patients he encounters, his colleagues, and the broader community through numerous outreach efforts. “Every day is a gift. Cherish it. Don’t squander it. Just play the hand you’re given.”
