FROM OUR HISTORY,
TO OUR PURPOSE.
OUR STORY
The Stefano Steenbakkers Betancourt Foundation, Corp. is a non-profit organization created to honor the memory of the young man of the same name, who was murdered in June 2012 in Dorado, Puerto Rico.
Stefano's death shocked the entire country. His actions, however, are a source of inspiration and healing for thousands of people who hear the story of this exceptional young man.
At 16, Stefano registered as an organ donor. Six months later he passed away, giving life and hope to others through the greatest gift of life: organ and tissue donation.
MISSION
Our mission is to support, educate, and be instruments of transformation to prolong the well-being of those who come to us.
VISION
Our vision is providing Wings to Life, giving support in loss management and prevention of violence.
Stefano:
the story of an angel.
Stefano was such a kindhearted gentleman. He always walked around with the biggest smile, the catchiest laugh, and gave the best bear hugs. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it, whether it was his teachers, his friends, his family or strangers.
He grew up learning to love helping others, whether doing arts and crafts with the homeless in a shelter or feeding them with his family on the streets of Puerto Rico; he was always willing to help them better their lives.
Stefano also loved traveling and learning about other people and their cultures. In his short lifetime he travelled to more places than many adults ever get to visit. It was his passion of travelling and helping others that led him to decide to move back to Holland to finish his high school and college studies and then move on to becoming a dignitary with the hopes of someday changing the world one heart at a time.
Although Stefano was not able to move back to Holland and fulfill his dreams, through our foundation we wish to honor his legacy and help change the world, one heart at a time.
"People will understand
that when we are here, in the world,
we can leave the best of us
to help other people
and their families. "
Zorimar Betancourt
zorimar betancourt
anna steenbakkers betancourt
their purpose.
The family of Stefano Steenbakkers Betancourt never thought that the death of the young man would bring life to five people, after his tragic murder on the night of June 24, 2012.
For his mother, Zorimar Betancourt, the pain and emptiness caused by his departure had to be replaced with some act that would allow her to honor her son's life. This is how the foundation was born, in principle. The organization's mission seeks to make Puerto Rico the first organ donor country in the world, or at least, achieve that 25% of the population register as a donor.
Eight years after the tragic death of her son Stefano Steenbakkers Betancourt in the middle of a carjacking and after having defeated breast cancer, Zorimar Betancourt is immersed in new projects aimed at raising awareness about the importance of organ donation.
"I want the message to reach people, to create awareness that organ donation helps to give life. For people to understand that when one is here in the world, one can leave the best of oneself to help other people and their families" , -Zorimar, also founder and director, together with her daughter Anna, of the Stefano Steenbakkers Betancourt Foundation.
meet her testimony
our
board of directors
Zorimar Betancourt
President
Zorimar Betancourt is Stefano Steenbakkers Betancourt mother and the Founding Director. She is a Certified Grief Educator. She has transformed her trauma by creating a community of grieving families.
MICHEL VARGAS
Secretary
Michel Vargas is a nurse with more than 20 years of experience. She is also a community leader in her hometown.
MARINÉS SÁNCHEZ
Treasurer
Marinés Sánchez is the mother of Joseph who earned his wings in 2018. For the last 22 years she has worked as a teacher in Puerto Rico's Education Department.
LIZAMARIE RAMOS
Entrepreneur
Liza is an entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in the construction business. Her passion are her daughters, and to help others.