Celebrating the Power of YES during National Donate Life Month
Southwest Transplant Alliance launches One YES campaign to raise awareness during National Donate Life Month
DALLAS, April 1, 2021 – Checking the box “Yes” to be an organ, eye and tissue donor is more than a checkmark, it’s a sign of hope for the more than 100,000 Americans awaiting a lifesaving transplant. April is National Donate Life Month, and Southwest Transplant Alliance’s One YES campaign is highlighting what YES means to Texans affected by donation and transplantation.
“During National Donate Life month, STA will spread the important message that One Yes can transform and save lives,” said president and CEO of Southwest Transplant Alliance Patti Niles. “The One Yes campaign will highlight powerful stories of hope and healing from donor heroes and their families, transplant recipients and those still waiting for the gift of life. This is the perfect time to check that box when you renew your driver license, talk about your wishes with your family, or visit organ.org to learn more and join the registry.”
National Donate Life Month is a nationwide observance that celebrates and honors the gifts of organ, eye and tissue donation. The month includes additional observances, including:
· Blue & Green Day (April 16): Supporters are encouraged to wear, decorate and share the colors to raise support for donation
· National Pediatric Transplant Week (April 18-24): A week dedicated to focusing on the stories of children affected by donation and ending the pediatric transplant waiting list
Yes = HOPE
Shante Demerson-Boldon is one of 10,000 Texans awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant. She struggles day-to-day as acute liver failure has impacted her ability to work and thrive, and be an active mother to her son. She reflects on her future aspirations – and the life she dreams of – if a transplant is made possible.
Yes = LIFE
Berta Teague and Lisa Barker are living life to the fullest after the selfless gifts of donors gave them a second chance at life through organ transplants. For Berta, it means time with her children and grandchildren. For Lisa, it’s meant renewed life purpose, and the opportunity of motherhood through the adoption of two young boys with her husband.
Yes = LEGACY
Andrew “Jordan” Santiago was a well-loved, generous young man with a heart for giving. A high-achieving accountant with a bright future, his parents Andrew and Heather knew him first and foremost as a “Cheerful Giver”. His family’s YES to donation after his unexpected death in 2020 gave life to 5 others through organ donation and gave healing to dozens more through tissue donation.
The One YES campaign will air stories across streaming, broadcast and social channels in the communities across Texas that STA serves. A resource toolkit that includes videos, downloadable graphics, and opportunities for involvement is available at www.organ.org/1yes.