TAMPA, Fla. – This weekend, Florida and Georgia renew their football rivalry. Normally, it’s unheard of for fans of either team to switch sides, but I found an exception.

Megan Twist was killed by a drunk driver in 2016. She was only 23 years old. Megan signed up to be an organ donor just four months before she died. Seven of his organs helped save the lives of five different people. One recipient decided he needed to start cheering for another team after getting another chance at life.

WFT

Jacksonville native Richard Bremer was a die-hard Florida Gators fan and received both lungs from Megan. Originally from Athens, GA, Megan was an equally dedicated Bulldogs fan. Bremer immediately decided to switch allegiances as a way to honor Megan’s memory.

“Grieving is a roller coaster ride,” Megan’s older sister, Carolyn Hostetler, said via video chat. “But I think finding purpose in the loss of my sister is what helped my entire family heal.”

Carolyn continues to live that purpose. He moved to the Tampa Bay area shortly after his sister’s death. He pivoted his career and joined the LifeLink of Florida team, dedicating his career to the field of organ donation.

“This certainly gives me renewed joy every day,” Hostetler explained. “Wake up and stand up for those who need those life-saving transplants.”

Carolyn said she will never forget the first time she met Richard after the transplant.

“We all took turns listening to his lungs breathe into him again,” he recalled with a smile. “There are no words to describe it. Knowing that her life meant something to save his life. Giving him new life has been an incredible thing to witness.”

“He said when he found out he had Bulldog lungs inside him, that was it. He had to get rid of all his Gator gear and now he cheers for the Dawgs,” Hostetler recalled. “And I have to say, since the transplant, I think his fans have helped us win two national championships. So we’re very grateful to have him on our side now.”

Allowing others to live on is how Megan’s legacy lives on. And that’s why Carolyn is so proud of her sister.

“She was my little sister, but I admire her more than I could ever describe. I am extremely proud of her. For her to make that decision at such a young age, it is a great honor to be able to carry on her legacy and her light continues to shine.”

ESPN will publish an article highlighting Carolyn and Richard’s experience on Saturday morning on ESPN College GameDay. The 102nd matchup between Florida and No. 2 Georgia begins in Jacksonville at 3:30 pm on ABC. It was announced this week that the 2026 game will be played in Atlanta and the 2027 game will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa due to scheduled renovations at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.