After being a life-long Florida Gators fan, Richard Bremer developed his intense love for the Georgia Bulldogs from a most unusual source – the compassionate spirit of a young University of Georgia fan and her lifesaving lung donation. As a result, this year’s Disney Spirit Award goes to Bremer and posthumously to Megan Twist, whose donated organs are saving lives and, in some ways, offering a different perspective on what it means to show school spirit.

Bremer’s life was saved by Twist’s decision to become an organ donor, and that led to Bremer relinquishing his long-time devotion to the Gators in favor of the rival Bulldogs as well as inspiring donations that are saving the lives of so many others.

Their inspiring story embodies the meaning of the Disney Spirit Award, which was recently presented to Bremer and Twist’s sisters on her behalf at Walt Disney World Resort. They are the 29^th recipients of the annual award, which traditionally has been one of the many prestigious awards  handed out at the “Home Depot College Football Awards” on ESPN on Dec. 12 (9 p.m. - 11 p.m. EST).

Since 1996, Walt Disney World has presented the award to the most inspirational figures in college football, recognizing people who embody strength of spirit in the face of tremendous adversity. Bremer and Twist’s family, who were presented with dual bronze trophies during their recent visit to Walt Disney World Resort, are the first recipients with ties to the University of Georgia. Their inspiring journey was captured in a recent feature on ESPN’s College GameDay, which was viewed by millions and helped raise awareness about organ and tissue donation.

“Everyone at Walt Disney World was deeply moved by Richard and Megan’s incredible story,” said ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex vice president Adam Ball. “They are an inspiring example of the strength and compassion it takes to help others and it’s our honor to recognize both of them with this year’s Disney Spirit Award.”

In 1996, Bremer, a carpenter from Jacksonville, Fla., was diagnosed with a degenerative lung disease called sarcoidosis. By 2012, his lung function had plummeted to just 20 percent, necessitating a lung transplant.  After four years of waiting, he received a life-changing phone call that a match had been found. The donor was Twist, a 23-year-old from Georgia who was tragically killed in a car accident. Remarkably, Twist registered as an organ and tissue donor just a few months prior on her 23^rd birthday. 

“Megan was the biggest Georgia Bulldogs fan there was, so it’s great to know that her name is always going to be associated with this award,” said Twist’s sister, Carolyn Hostetler. “She’s my hero and I know she’s Richard’s hero as well.”

The surgery to save Bremer’s life lasted 10 hours, and he was placed in a medically induced coma for several weeks. Upon waking and learning of Twist’s loyalty to the Georgia Bulldogs, Bremer felt compelled to shift his own football loyalty to the Bulldogs in honor of her.

Since the surgery, Bremer and Twist's family have been dedicated to raising awareness for organ donation. He has served as a spokesperson for LifeLink Foundation, a non-profit with a mission to help as many people as possible through organ and tissue transplantation. Bremer keeps a photo of Twist on his phone, which appears six times a day whenever his alarm goes off, reminding him to take his medications.

Hostetler has also been deeply involved in honoring her sister’s memory. Hostetler works as a hospital development specialist with LifeLink of Florida, a division of the LifeLink Foundation, facilitating their partnerships with hospitals.  

“I celebrate (Twist’s organ donation) every day when I wake up,” said Bremer. “Getting to breathe every day, having her as a part of my life. She’s with me every day. Getting to bring her to Walt Disney World with me and receive the Spirit Award, I’m carrying her spirit with me.”