Norm Bagwell is truly “embracing a second opportunity” following a kidney transplant, with his wife Robin as the donor.
By Alicia Wanek
A well-known 90s song proclaims, “I would do anything for love…” At times, this commitment is put to the ultimate test. For Robin Bagwell, her choice to donate a kidney to her husband Norm became the most profound gift of life. They had no idea how this act would transform them both.
Norm reflects that confronting his own mortality was enlightening. “It offers a sobering perspective,” he remarks. “You start to recognize what truly matters. It sharpens your focus.” This new outlook has significantly influenced how their family engages with life today.
For some time, Norm was aware that his kidneys would eventually fail. As the situation escalated, he discovered that Dallas’ Baylor University Medical Center housed the country’s top transplant team. While many assumed his brother, who bears a striking resemblance to Norm, would be the perfect donor, testing revealed that Robin and his sister were, in fact, better matches. The fact that Robin, a non-relative, was among the best matches seemed miraculous, and she believes it was fate. “Making that decision wasn’t challenging at all. He has consistently supported me. I was so grateful to be able to assist him,” she reflects, adding with a laugh, “People often say I was incredibly selfless for donating my kidney. Honestly, I just didn’t want to raise two kids by myself!” Norm expresses his gratitude, saying, “I can never repay her for what she has done. All I can do is make the most of my second chance,” which he has actively pursued for eleven years.
Norm serves as the CEO of Bank of Texas, the Executive Vice President of BOK Financial, and has recently been appointed Chairman of the Baylor Health Care System Foundation. Robin has long been dedicated to volunteering with various organizations in Dallas, and together they received the Margaret Sharpe Award for their community service. “It’s all about progressing rather than dwelling on the past,” Norm shares. Nevertheless, they have acknowledged how Norm’s transplant story has become integrated into their lives. Since the transplant, they have remained active mentors for both donors and recipients navigating the transplantation journey, raising awareness about organ donation. In 2016, Robin received the Outlive Yourself award from Taylor’s Gift foundation to promote organ donation, and in 2018, the couple will co-chair the event.
Throughout this experience, Robin and Norm have realized the importance of cherishing every moment, instilling in their children the appreciation for life’s special occasions. The Bagwells have made it a priority to create lasting memories together, from attending the Macy’s Day parade and a presidential inauguration to visiting the Super Bowl to support Norm’s beloved New Orleans Saints. They take pride in their commitment to servant leadership being passed down to their children. Lauren is now an educator pursuing her PhD in curriculum, while Nolan serves as a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a senior in TCU’s business school.
Norm advises, “When you encounter a difficult situation, you can choose to feel angry or resentful, but that is just energy wasted.” His message resonates with his children, fellow transplant patients, coworkers, and the broader community they engage through various outreach initiatives—a reminder we should all hold onto every day. “Every day is a gift. Appreciate it. Don’t squander it. Just make the best of your circumstances.”
