Katie's Legacy

In April 2020, Katie Palmer and her husband John went for a morning walk that ended in tragedy. As John and Katie walked down a blacktop road on a spring morning in Denison, Texas, a pickup truck veered off the roadway and struck them both. Subsequently, Katie (39) succumbed to her injuries.  

Katie, suddenly taken away, left behind a loving husband and two young children. She was a science teacher at Scott Middle School in Denison (TX) and friend to many. The Denison native made an impact on many lives. She has been described as a giver, not only in life but in her passing. Katie’s heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys were donated. The decision to donate her organs allowed 7 people to receive life-saving transplants. 

Katie’s passion and energy is something that the Katie Palmer Project (KPP) strives to share. 

There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light shines on. 

After the tragic loss of Katie Palmer, Bortzfield founded the Katie Palmer Project in October 2020 to provide Christmas lights not only for the Palmers but also for other families enduring hardship. Firefighters from various Christmas light companies in the Dallas (TX) area united to spread Katie's light. The project engages off-duty firefighters who selflessly volunteer their time and labor to help nominated families. Since its inception, the KPP has installed Christmas lights on 39 homes across Texas, Oklahoma, and Massachusetts. Thanks to generous donations for supplies and the selfless acts of firefighters and the local International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), we have been able to bring smiles to those who need them most.