From Turbulence to Transplant: BAROguard™ preserves donor lungs against the odds
Flying thousands of feet in the air, no one expected a mid-flight crisis. But after a rapid loss of plane cabin pressure and an emergency return to the airport, a pair of donor lungs went through the journey of a lifetime and still saved a life—thanks to new, cutting-edge preservation technology.
When the oxygen masks dropped, everyone on board the May 2, 2024, flight knew something was wrong. Other than the souls on board, the plane had particularly precious cargo that an organ waiting list patient in Texas depended on for a new chance at life.
THE ADVENTURE HAD JUST BEGUN
On this flight from Phoenix to Dallas, an unexpected mechanical event required the plane—carrying a transplant team along with donated lungs for transplant—to make an emergency landing back in Phoenix, an event that would start a race against the clock to get the lungs back on their way to the waiting recipient.
The aircraft quickly lost air pressure in the cabin, requiring use of oxygen masks while the pilots performed a quick descent to a breathable altitude to then turn back to the airport. Without the cutting-edge Paragonix BAROguard™ organ preservation device, this rapid change in cabin altitude would normally have subjected the alveoli (the air sacs of the lungs) to a condition called barotrauma. That could have impacted their ability to be safely and effectively transplanted.
PRESERVED FOR TOO LONG?
Adding to the complexity, the lungs were without blood flow—known as “ischemic time”—for more than nine hours, well above the national average. Donor lungs preserved by conventional ice storage would be vulnerable to traditional thresholds of acceptable ischemic time. The Paragonix BAROguard™ organ preservation device keeps the temperature range between 4 and 8 degrees Celsius (39 and 46 Fahrenheit)—measurably above freezing temperatures—which has allowed organ transplant surgeons to utilize lungs with longer ischemic times and from longer distances.
After boarding a second plane and trying again, the team helped facilitate the successful transport of those same donor lungs to Baylor University Medical Center.
“This case highlights the mechanisms by which transplant teams can maintain lung allograft airway pressure … as recommended by the International Society of Heart & Lung Transplantation,” says Dr. Gary Schwartz, surgical director of lung transplantation at Baylor. “This starts in the operating room when the donor lungs are [recovered] but historically, we had no control over the gain or loss of pressure during transport”.
NEW TECH = EVEN MORE LIVES SAVED
BAROguard™ represents the next evolution in Paragonix’s lung preservation technology. The previous LUNGguard™ device focused on maintaining a stable temperature to protect donor lungs from freezing injury, and BAROguard™ builds on that foundation by adding active airway pressure management. In the graph, you can see the exact moment the plane’s cabin depressurized. The Paragonix BAROguard™ device responded immediately, protecting the lungs against dangerously high or low airway pressures, both of which are detrimental.
This constant airway pressure management system is specifically designed to shield donor lungs from the stress of altitude changes during air transport—offering an added layer of protection to improve transplant outcomes.
Despite all the obstacles, these donated lungs still saved the life of a patient on the national organ waiting list. With Paragonix BAROguard™, Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) and our transplant center partners continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in organ recovery and transplantation—offering hope to patients and honoring every gift of donation with every mile traveled.
“Organ preservation technologies like the BAROguard device really allow us to overcome some very difficult obstacles,” says Nathan Fine, manager of organ utilization at DNA. “This allows our donors to share the gift of life with the people who need it most, even entirely across the country on any given day. Our team is so grateful that the Baylor team landed safely that day, and that our donor’s lungs helped the recipient walk out of the hospital with a second chance at life.”
Hometown hero
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE AND SECOND CHANCES
“I know that he wanted this,” donor wife Michelle Boito told Roy Morgan, her voice filled with emotion. “I’m sure that he’s looking down, and I’m sure he’s happy.”
That’s not how a baseball game typically starts—a heart recipient meeting his donor’s wife and daughter way above the baseball diamond before heading down to throw the ceremonial first pitch together—all to honor Darrell Boito, a loyal Arizona Diamondbacks fan and a lifesaving organ and tissue donor.
With very little notice, yet no hesitation, Roy traveled from Utah to meet Michelle and Elizabeth Yoon-Boito for the first time during Donate Day with the Diamondbacks in August 2024. As the stadium below their private meeting buzzed with anticipation, Michelle and Roy embraced, a striking example of how donation can offer healing to not only the recipient but also for loved ones the donor left behind. Through tears, Michelle placed a stethoscope to Roy’s chest to hear Darrell’s heart still beating strong.
FROM THE FIELD TO FOREVER
What’s also not typical is the wife of a former D-backs player throwing the ceremonial first pitch of the game—to honor this late hero.
This year’s game holds a special meaning as we honor Jason Conti, former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder and proud Arizona Diamondback. He donated life after his sudden passing.
Conti dedicated himself to the sport for five seasons, two of which were with the D-backs, but his legacy didn’t end when he left the game. He passed away at 50 from a brain injury in May 2025, and his heart extended beyond the field to forever.
Conti’s decision to register as an organ and tissue donor stood for hope, healing and a second chance at life for others in need. To honor his legacy, his wife, Cari Conti, will stand on the mound before the game to throw out the ceremonial first pitch and honor her husband alongside all lifesavers and champions 25 years after the start of his professional career.
DONATE LIFE DAY AT THE ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Every summer we gather at Chase Field alongside donor families, recipients and donation champions for Donate Life Day at the Arizona Diamondbacks. We pay tribute to the courage, love and selflessness of Arizona organ donors like Darrell.
Join us this year on Saturday, July 19 for a 4:15 p.m. game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Buy tickets at Dbacks.com/DonateLife.
THE DETAILS
Here’s everything you need to know about the big game:
Discounted ticket prices | Order by June 16 to get an early bird ticket rate of $27 (plus a $4.95 processing fee). Ticket prices increase June 17 to $32 (plus a $5.87 processing fee).
T-Shirts and giveaways | Each discounted ticket includes a Donate Life or Done Vida T-shirt courtesy of Trinity Medical Solutions and a giveaway courtesy of Dignity Health Arizona and Pinnacle Transplant Technologies. If you need to make updates to your T-shirt order, please call 602-222-2254 or email Yvillela@dnaz.org.
The Celebration of Life Parade | Donor families are invited to walk around the field before the game for a Celebration of Life Parade in honor of their loved one. If you are a donor family and would like to participate, please plan to arrive when the gates open. More details will be shared closer to the game.
Poster decorating | Supplies will be available on the day of the game to decorate a poster in honor of your donor hero.
Hospitality suites | We invite our attendees to join us in one of our hospitality suites located near our sections! Mingle and watch the game from the Coors Light Strike Zone or Banner Health Centered Field.
Accessing digital tickets | For a step-by-step guide, visit dbacks.com/ballparkapp.
Ticket windows and Arizona Diamondbacks staff at the gates are available on event day to help with any issues.
Group orders or ticket troubles | For any ticket-related questions, please call 602-462-4113 or email Jimperial@dbacks.com.
Deadlines | The last day to purchase an early bird ticket rate is June 16. The last day to purchase tickets for Donate Life Day at the Arizona Diamondbacks is July 17.
Waiting to … wait?
I am not an organ recipient … at least for now. But I am closer than most people would ever want to get.
In 2022, my liver health took a turn with a stomach bleed that caused damage to my liver and kidneys. It resulted in a cirrhosis diagnosis. My liver faced long-term damage from permanent scarring, and my doctors asked me to prepare to be listed on the national organ waiting list in case a transplant became necessary.
Qualifying for the national organ waiting list required a significant commitment: three months of intensive sessions, three days a week for three hours.
These sessions were vital, encompassing therapy, sharing experiences, managing triggers and weekly urine tests. Nutritional counseling and dietary guidance were crucial and emphasized the importance of low-sodium and high-protein diets because certain foods could interfere with testing.
Being considered for a liver transplant with cirrhosis involves an evaluation at a transplant center—where I still have check-ups twice a year. This comprehensive assessment looks at liver health and general well-being to make sure I’m free from alcohol use.
The next step involves your Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, which plays a critical role in determining transplant priority. This score determines a person’s transplant priority, with a range from 6 to 40. A higher score signifies a greater urgency for transplantation. Typically, a MELD score below 10 suggests stable liver function.
Living with the awareness of my MELD score, which was 12 as of December 2024, hanging over me is incredibly taxing, as it can change for better or worse. It’s more than just watching what I eat or getting enough exercise; it’s this persistent anxiety that every decision could impact my chances. The worry about sodium, protein, and the shadow of the tests is always there. It’s a stark reality that before you can even hope for a transplant, there’s this crucial step of ruling out cancer. It’s another significant emotional weight to carry.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Once eligible, a transplant center can add you to the national organ waiting list administered by United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Your transplant team will continue to monitor your MELD score. The wait for a donated liver can range from less than a month to over five years and often leaves people waiting on edge. The availability of a suitable donor triggers a careful matching process considering your MELD score, blood type and other lab testing, body size and the distance from the donor to the transplant center of the best matching potential recipients.
The wait can end on short notice with just a phone call. You might need to be ready to go within an hour, otherwise, the opportunity passes to the next person on the list. And once you get your transplant surgery, it is not the end.
Navigating the financial and emotional aspects of transplantation can be challenging. Transplant centers often provide vital financial and social support services to help patients through this process. Additionally, a standard part of the evaluation, which might surprise some, is a dental check-up.
A PATHWAY TO SOBRIETY
For those whose transplant is due to alcohol-related liver disease, lifelong sobriety is not negotiable. There are no second chances; continued alcohol consumption would disqualify you from future transplant if you were to need the transplant surgery.
I’m grateful that my MELD score hasn’t required me to need a transplant, and my health is steadily improving with daily medications. Like many others, I dealt with brain fog, dizziness and fatigue which have lessened, although balance can still be an occasional issue.
My current lifestyle prioritizes regular exercise, careful attention to sodium and protein intake, ample hydration, good sleeping habits and frequent guided meditation to relax and unwind. It’s been 947 days since I last had alcohol, a choice I made without experiencing withdrawal or a desire to drink.
Willing to give what I might have needed to receive, being a registered organ donor is something I truly value and have been committed to for a long time. I’ve met people who’ve been donors and recipients and I’m very grateful for both. If I ever have a chance to donate I would and if somewhere on my journey if I need an organ I hope someone will donate to me.
There is no greater gift than the gift of life!
We came. We saw. We sang.
THANKS FOR HELPING US LET LIFE SING!
National Donate Life Month each April offers us a chance for us to honor and remember donor heroes, celebrate the lives they saved, and encourage Arizonans to register as organ and tissue donors.
Our goal was to help 600 Arizonans register for the first time as organ and tissue donors to celebrate National Donate Life Month.
Thanks to the help of 173 participating organizations, we saw …
💙 697 new registrations
💚 & 1,626 total registrations and reaffirmations
You read that right! Last month, 697 Arizonans chose to give the gift of life for the first time. That’s a pretty big deal. 👏
HOW WE CELEBRATED
We celebrate Donate Life Month with the support from our volunteers, participating organizations, sponsors and donation champions like you!
Our partner organizations, such as hospitals, churches and nonprofits held registration tables and flag-raising ceremonies with the help of our volunteers—and they worked a record-breaking 449 volunteer hours in April alone! We reached 697 new registrations because of these events.
It didn’t stop there. During Blue & Green Spirit Week, we dressed up our pets, enjoyed some blue and green treats, created Donate Life art, wrote messages of hope, and sported our mission left and right. See more photos of the celebration on Our Highlight Reel.
Did you attend a community event, volunteer, sport blue and green, or celebrate National Donate Life Month in another way? Share photos of your celebration on social media! Use #DonateLifeAZ and tag us @DonateLifeAZ on most platforms.
Want to get involved? You don’t have to wait until next April! Sign up to volunteer here.
THANK YOU ISN’T ENOUGH
To say thank you to the participating organizations that made this year’s celebration possible, we gifted free tickets to the Donate Life Day at the Arizona Diamondbacks game Saturday, July 19 to organizations that registered the most organ and tissue donors and driver license partners with the highest increase in donor designation rate (DDR)*.
And the winners are … 🥁
Small Hospital: Banner Casa Grande Medical Center
Medium Hospital: Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center
Large Hospital: Banner – University Medical Center Tucson
Community Partner: Vitalant
Authorized Third Party Office: Desert Title MVS LLC – Fountain Hills
North MVD: Window Rock MVD
East MVD: Globe/Claypool MVD
South MVD: Yuma MVD
West MVD: Phoenix Northwest MVD
*Donor designation rate is the percentage of people who registered or reaffirmed their decision as organ and tissue donors compared to the total credentials issued each month.
THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS
A day in the life of Reggie the donor cactus
Hey, I’m Reggie, your favorite donor cactus!
I’m here to share a bit about what a typical day in my life looks like, though I have to say, there’s really no such thing as “typical” when you’re a part of something as meaningful as the work done by Donor Network of Arizona.
When I’m not standing tall at one of our events, I’m quietly observing the powerful moments that unfold. I see donor families share memories of their loved ones who made the selfless decision to give life. I see recipients, full of gratitude, knowing they’ve been given a second chance at life.
Everyone I’ve met has a story, and I’m honored to be part of the mission, even if it’s just by standing there “rooted” in place ;).
You’ll usually find me by the registration table, where people often start their journey by making the decision to register as an organ and tissue donor. I hang out with our volunteers at these events, who are usually donor family members, recipients or caregivers. I’ve heard family members share stories of loved ones who saved lives, and I’ve seen how those stories bring people together in ways words can’t fully express.
And while I don’t move much (being a cactus and all), I do feel the weight of it all—the quiet moments of connection, shared grief and incredible strength of every person here.
I’ve even had a few kids come over and ask for stickers or high-fives, and let me tell you, it’s the highlight of my day.
Though I may just be a cactus, I stand for something far bigger than myself: Life, generosity and the power of giving. That’s what these events are about, and I’m proud to be here, offering a steady presence as people come together, whether to honor a loved one or to take their first step in the donor registry.
As the day winds down and people start to leave, I’m always reminded of the impact of these moments. The hugs, the tears, the shared stories—they’re what make this work meaningful. When people walk away, it’s not just the end of an event, it’s the beginning of something new. A new connection. A new possibility.
So, the next time you see me at one of our events, don’t be shy! Stop by, say hello, and maybe snap a photo or two. I’ll be here, always ready to greet you with a spiny smile.
The Heart of it All: Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Week
TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY
Doctors diagnosed Kausandra Johnson with Type 1 diabetes at just 5 years old. By 30, her life had been altered by end-stage renal disease. Despite this diagnosis, Johnson stayed positive about her health and patiently waited six years on the national organ waiting list.
“Due to my faith, I did not find the process restricting at all. I continued to work, travel and inspire as many as I could,” Johnson says about her time waiting for a second chance.
A successful kidney and pancreas transplant improved Johnson’s health and ignited a profound sense of purpose.
“The gift of life makes me feel ‘chosen’ and purposed in this life to give in any and every way I can, to better someone else’s day, life, family and spirit,” says Johnson.
This renewed sense of purpose led Johnson to pursue and earn her master’s degree, as well as a certified public manager certification.
By sharing her story and volunteering with Donor Network of Arizona (DNA), she hopes to inspire others to consider the immeasurable impact of registering as an organ and tissue donor.
“To say that I am grateful does not cover the gesture that was bestowed upon me and my family,” she says.
FUELING OUR MISSION
Volunteers like Kausandra are the heart of it all. Wouldn’t share our mission without them. In fact, Donor Network of Arizona’s program currently has 111 active volunteers who dedicated almost 1,800 hours of their time to our mission. This April alone, they’ve already completed almost 300 volunteer hours to celebrate National Donate Life Month.
Each hour our volunteers offer gives Arizonans an opportunity to save and heal more lives. Whether it’s a speaking engagement or a registration table, they’re here to ask the question: “Will you register as an organ and tissue donor today?”
More than 1,000 people said yes to our volunteers who asked that question last year. By doing so, they give hope to those waiting for a lifesaving transplant.
That’s why this week, April 20 – 26, we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week.
MORE ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
So, what exactly do DNA volunteers do?
Our volunteers help us make the most of life through registration events, donation storytelling opportunities and helping with behind-the-scenes tasks. We host registration tables at events of all shapes and sizes, where volunteers provide Arizonans an chance to become an organ and tissue donor hero.
If you’re looking to share your donation story with others, a speaking engagement may be right for you. DNA has various speaking opportunities for small groups, large groups and with local media outlets across the state. We also host speaker workshops to help you perfect your story, refine your skills, and feel confident in the delivery.
Not sure if you’re ready to speak or host a registration table? No problem. We never say no to an extra hand to help us organize, count or sort our event materials that support the success when we’re out in the community.
If you’re ready to jump in, you can complete a volunteer application here. For questions, or to learn more about volunteering, email Volunteers@dnaz.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
During National Donate Life Month, we ask our partner organizations, such as hospitals, churches, Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) and authorized third-party (ATP) offices, restaurants and nonprofits to hold registration tables in collaboration with our volunteers. See upcoming events this April below.
Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center Registration Tables
Every Tuesday and Thursday in April!
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. OR 1 – 4 p.m.
📍14502 W Meeker Blvd, Sun City West, AZ 85375
Abrazo Central Campus Registration Table
Thursday, April 24
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
📍 2000 W Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85015
Light the Night at Banner Thunderbird
Friday, April 25
6 – 8 p.m.
📍 5555 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306
Honor Walk at Banner Desert Medical Center
Friday, April 25
7 – 8 p.m.
📍 1400 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202
Girls on the Run with Mayo Clinic
Saturday, April 26
7 a.m.
📍 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Candlelight Vigil at Chandler Regional Medical Center
Tuesday, April 29
7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
📍 1955 W Frye Rd, Chandler, AZ 85224
Did one of these events catch your eye? Sign up to volunteer here.
HELP US SAVE LIVES
Your help is as important as ever. More than 104,000 people are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list. Nearly 2,000 of those people live here in Arizona. See how you can help below.
Volunteer with us. Sign up as a Donor Network of Arizona volunteer here.
Register as an organ and tissue donor. You can save up to eight lives and heal 75 more yourself. Sign up today at DonateLifeAZ.org or next time you visit an ADOT MVD or ATP office.
LIVERguard: A complex liver’s journey
AN INFORMAL CASE STUDY ABOUT MEDICALLY COMPLEX ORGAN DONORS, WHY THEY’RE OFTEN REJECTED, AND WHAT DNA DOES TO HELP
It was declined a staggering 2,239 times by transplant surgeons across nearly 40 transplant centers in October 2024. Against the odds, Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) placed this donated liver with a Florida transplant surgeon on the 2,240th offer, saving a patient’s life. This is a common, intricate hurdle DNA must jump since organs from medically complex donors can be a challenge to place
The donor, a 68-year-old man, presented complex medical factors.
“The donor’s age and medical history presented compounding factors,” says Nathan Fine, DNA’s manager of transplant partnerships. “In the end, all three organs from this donor—liver and both kidneys— required a variety of interventions to be successfully matched with recipients, but it’s worth it if it means we save more lives.”
The donor also had hepatitis C and was able to donate through a process called donation after circulatory death (DCD)—as opposed to after a declaration of brain death—meaning the organs risked warm ischemic damage from the time delay between the withdrawal of the ventilator and start of organ recovery. In this case, over an hour had passed, potentially reducing the chances of immediate graft (organ) function and affecting long-term outcomes for the recipient. DNA, however, used advanced preservation techniques to navigate these obstacles.
To maximize the chances of a successful liver transplant and mitigate the effects of warm ischemia (time with no blood flow or oxygen), the team performed normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) as part of the donor’s care, which temporarily restores blood flow and oxygen to the organs intended for transplantation. DNA preservationists then stored the liver in Paragonix LIVERguard, an advanced organ preservation device that maintains precise temperature control, preventing freezing of the organ’s cells compared to conventional storage on ice, known as static cold storage. This has proven to support the success of transplants after longer travel and preservation times.
Ultimately, a surgeon in Florida accepted the liver, more than 1,700 miles away for multiple reasons including the fact that modern antiviral hepatitis C treatments have a 90% cure rate on the first try, though stigma around accepting such organs still exists.
Once on the East Coast, the transplant team used an OrganOx metra, another tool that kept the liver oxygenated and nourished at body temperature, meaning the liver went through some type of advanced preservation for a notable 33 hours before the transplant—much more than the typical 10 hours. This prolonged preservation allowed the liver to improve its damage and function, addressing concerns for the recipient’s long-term health.
WE’RE HERE TO SAVE MORE LIVES
This case highlights the dedication of DNA’s team in placing medically complex organs. In 2024, DNA made NRP standard practice for DCD donors, taking ownership of the decision rather than waiting for such requests from only the organ transplant centers that have the right resources. NRP reduces the rate of recovered but non-transplanted organs, maximizing the generosity of Arizona’s donors.
“The rate of organs recovered but not transplanted is generally cut in half when we utilize NRP,” Fine explains.
With these advanced preservation and perfusion techniques, DNA has dramatically increased the use of donated organs. As of November 10, 2024, the average number of organs transplanted per donor has risen from 1.96 to 2.82, nearly one more organ per donor, demonstrating DNA’s commitment to saving as many lives as possible.
IT’S WORLD LIVER DAY
What better way to celebrate this groundbreaking case than today? April 19 is World Liver Day.
There are more than 9,000* people waiting for a liver transplant. LIVERguard offers hope to these patients and helps us save more lives.
*Data as of 4/7/2025
THERE ARE NO RESTRICTIONS TO REGISTER
“I’m too sick.”
“I’m too old.”
These are common misconceptions we hear when we enter the community to encourage Arizonans to register as organ and tissue donors. These are both false.
There are no health restrictions to age limits to register. Your potential to save lives through organ donation is determined at the time of death, and thanks to advancing technologies like LIVERguard—medically complex donors save lives, too.
You can register online any time at DonateLifeAZ.org or next time you visit an Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division or authorized third-party office.
Want to learn more? Visit our blog, What does it mean to register?
First in the world
ARIZONA LEADS WORLD IN USE OF NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION THAT FITS IN AIRPLANE SEAT
The next time you board a commercial flight, look around you. You might see a different kind of passenger—one that’s on its way to save a life! The Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) team celebrates being the first in the country, and the world, to successfully deliver a donated kidney for transplant by commercial airline flight using this new, cutting-edge organ preservation technology to its full capacity.
WHAT IS IT?
They call it the Paragonix KidneyVault™ System. Paragonix Technologies—an organ transplant medical device company—specifically designed this FDA-cleared kidney perfusion and preservation system with the most advanced technologies. That includes the ability to:
- Perfuse (run fluids through) the kidney continuously between donor and recipient, including while in flight.
- Remotely monitor perfusion parameters, temperature conditions and other critical data at all times.
- Maintain a consistent hypothermic (optimal cold storage) environment, which has been shown to reduce post-transplant recipient complications compared to traditional static cold storage on ice.
The KidneyVault™ technology aims to allow more organs to be suitable for transplant—particularly by reducing the number of donated organs that go unused—and improve patient outcomes post-transplant compared to previous methods of perfusion or preservation and transportation.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR SEATBELT FASTENED!
This device was designed to fit in an airplane seat in economy class—not checked in as cargo. An attendant (not to be confused with a flight attendant) accompanies the organ device to allow for more complex travel routes, which helps to get more donated organs to the best matching patients on the national organ waiting list safely and efficiently.
“Using the Paragonix KidneyVault is another way we’re showing our commitment to getting every possible organ available to the more than 104,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a lifesaving transplant—90,000 of whom need a kidney,” says Nathan Fine, organ utilization manager at DNA. “For medically complex kidneys, this technology helps us prevent the nonuse of donated organs, which can be heartbreaking for the donor’s family as well as our team.”
With this, and other, advanced preservation and perfusion techniques, DNA has dramatically increased the use of donated organs. As of November 2024, the average number of organs transplanted per donor rose from 1.96 to 2.82, nearly one more organ per donor, which translates to hundreds of more organs getting transplanted per year.
MORE ABOUT PARAGONIX TECHNOLOGIES
Paragonix Technologies is a leading developer, manufacturer and service provider in the organ transplant industry, establishing a novel approach to organ preservation. Paragonix Technologies provides Advanced Organ Preservation (“AOP”) devices that safeguard donor organs during the journey between donor and recipient patients. Our FDA-cleared and CE-marked devices incorporate clinically proven and medically trusted cold preservation techniques that allow unprecedented physical and thermal protection to the organ during transit. All Paragonix AOP devices are natively integrated with our novel digital app, delivering real-time organ tracking data and monitoring logistics for transplant teams seeking a secure and centralized solution. For more information, visit Paragonix.com.
Like birds of a feather …
OUR FAVORITE MONTH OF THE YEAR IS FINALLY HERE!
Like Billie Eilish once said, “Birds of a feather, we should stick together” … for National Donate Life Month, of course. 🎶🐦
Each year, we recognize April as National Donate Life Month. It’s a chance for us to honor and remember donor heroes, celebrate the lives saved and encourage Arizonans to register as organ and tissue donors.
This year’s theme? Let Life Sing!
Birds are known across many cultures as one of the most welcomed and visible signs of spring. They represent both new beginnings and visits from loved ones who have passed away. The yearly return of birds and their songs offer us a sense of peace and hope.
HOW WE CELEBRATE
During National Donate Life Month, we invite partner organizations and all Arizonans to help spread the word about organ and tissue donation and ultimately encourage members of our community to register as donors.
Our partners include hospitals, churches and nonprofits, and they often hold registration tables of their own. Want to join us in the community? Come visit us at any of the events listed below or sign up to volunteer here.
- Virtual Honor Walk: All month long! Dedicate your physical activity to celebrate and honor Arizona organ donors here.
- Fight for Air Climb with the American Lung Association: Saturday, April 5 at 9 a.m. | 7408 E Osborn Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- Kidney Walk with National Kidney Foundation: Sunday, April 6 at 8 a.m. | 7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
- Pat’s Run Registration Table with Mayo Clinic Hospital: Saturday, April 12 at 7 a.m.| 400 E Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281
- Arizona Derby Dames: Saturday, April 12 at 5 p.m. | 2517 W McDowell Rd, Suite 118, Phoenix, AZ 85009
- Spring Cemetery Movie Night with Evergreen: Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. | 3015 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson, AZ
- Light the Night at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center: Friday, April 25 at 6 p.m. | 5555 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306
- Honor Walk at Banner Desert Medical Center: Friday April 25 at 7 p.m. | 1400 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202
- Girls on the Run: Saturday, April 26 at 7 a.m. | 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
- Candlelight Vigil at Chandler Regional Medical Center: Tuesday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. | 1955 W Frye Rd, Chandler, AZ 85224
See more about how we’ve celebrated National donate Life Month in the past at our 2024 Highlight Reel.
A STRONGHEARTED MAN
The decision to register as an organ and tissue donor is a powerful act of giving life. Nicole Worrior knows this well. When her son, Richard Umberger, passed in 2015, his decision to donate saved David Axmear from the brink of death.
Eight years later, their stories came together in an emotional reunion. Worrior got the chance to hear her son’s heart still alive in this world. As a retired Tucson-area nurse, she brought her own stethoscope to listen to Axmear’s chest.
“Promise made, promise kept,” Worrior said under her breath as tears rolled down her cheeks. The two shared laughter as they flipped through a scrapbook Worrior brought with her. Axmear listened closely as she recounted the many stories of her son.
The generosity of people like Richard is why we celebrate National Donate Life Month. Together, we acknowledge organ donors and their families who have given the ultimate gift and encourage Arizonans to do the same.
“I’ve always been proud of my son,” she says. “He was always a stronghearted man.”
The two plan to meet once a year as Axmear travels back to Phoenix from Iowa for his annual checkups.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Help us let life sing this April! Check out the calendar below to learn more about the many observances we’re celebrating throughout National Donate Life Month.
Share your support on social media and encourage your friends and family to register as organ and tissue donors. You can find premade social media content, posters and other resources at DonateLifeMonthAZ.org.
Most importantly, you can register or reaffirm your decision to be an organ and tissue donor online today at DonateLifeAZ.org or next time you visit an Arizona Department of Transportation MVD to apply for or renew your driver’s license or state ID.
Our biggest year yet for saving lives
Arizona organ donors saved the most lives in a single year in 2024 with a record-breaking number of organ donors and total organs transplanted as a result.
RECORD-BREAKING GENEROSITY
Arizona organ donors saved 899 lives last year. Not only is it a new record, but it’s also the first time that number has rebounded since the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was the 371 selfless organ donors, and their families, from across the state who made that possible—another record.
More than 210,000 people registered as organ and tissue donors in Arizona for the first time last year.
BEHIND THE NUMBERS
These records are more than just numbers. Every donation has an impact, whether a donor hero, donor family member, recipient, caregiver or a waiting list candidate who needs this lifesaving medical intervention. They all have a story. Keep reading to learn the story of Erin Gall, a donor hero.
Erin “ErBear” Gall was known for her sweet, fun and at times, competitive nature. A loving friend, daughter and mother, she always found ways to lift others up. On her social media pages, she had proudly written “Aspiring Superhero” under her name—a title that would later take on deeper meaning.
In March 2023, shortly after the birth of her daughter, Melody, Gall suffered an asthma attack and did not survive. Her family learned that she had previously registered as an organ and tissue donor, and as devastated as they were to lose her, they felt comfort in knowing that she had made the decision to save lives.
“It was in her nature to help others,” said her mother, Sally Flatland. “But she was humble and would probably say, ‘That’s what anybody would do.’”
Her mother says she truly lived out her dream by being a donor. In fact, her decision saved three young girls’ lives. No longer aspiring—Erin is a true superhero.
Flatland has since made it her mission to keep Erin’s memory alive by volunteering with Donor Network of Arizona, the state’s organ procurement organization, and telling her story, remembering her love and passions for music, soccer, travel and a good carne asada burrito.
“We never want Erin to be forgotten, and I believe that she never will because of her selfless act of being a donor,” says Flatland. “Losing my daughter is the most devastating experience, but the pain is lessened just a bit knowing she gave a part of her to allow others to live. Erin is a true superhero!”
WE CAN’T DO IT ALONE
The record-breaking generosity we saw in 2024 was possible with the selflessness of donors and their families just like Erin’s story, the tireless efforts of our clinical and support teams, collaboration with hospitals and transplant centers and of course, the 4.8 million registered donors in Arizona.
Were you one of the 210,000 people who registered as an organ and tissue donor for the first time last year? If not, you can sign up right now on DonateLifeAZ.org or next time you visit an Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division or authorized third-party office.