Celebrating deaf culture
Meet Tracey Chu, the very first deaf employee at Donor Network of Arizona (DNA)!
As a supply associate, Tracey and her team support our organ and tissue recovery teams to ensure they have the supplies needed to make organ and tissue donation possible.
Tracey is also a member of DNA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Through her efforts with the committee, DNA proudly recognizes Deaf Awareness Month and encourages members of the deaf community to register as organ and tissue donors.
CELEBRATING DEAF AWARENESS MONTH
d/Deaf* awareness is celebrated throughout September, and the month concludes with World Deaf Day on the last Sunday of the month. This observance celebrates the culture, history and contributions of the Deaf community, as well as promotes equitable communication and education for all.
Want to learn more about the d/Deaf and hard of hearing (HoH) community? Check out our article, 5 things you didn’t know about Deaf Awareness.
*There is a difference between “the lowercase d” deaf and “the uppercase D” Deaf. Someone who identifies as deaf with a lowercase d may see their hearing loss as a medical condition, whereas someone who identifies as Deaf with a capital D identify as a member of the Deaf community.
CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY
Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) connects with d/Deaf and HoH population through events like the DeafNation Expo.
“Anyone and everyone can sign up to save lives,” says Tracey.
You can register as an organ and tissue donor online right now at www.DonateLifeAZ.org. You can also register at an MVD or authorized third-party office when you apply for your driver license or state ID.
Driving hope
100 Plus Evan
“Evan [Bowling] wasn’t like every 15-year-old out there,” says his mother, Melinda Hershkowitz. He was unique, charismatic, a friend to many and a protector of his siblings.
Evan and another sister had birthdays just two weeks apart. In November 2023, a few weeks shy of Evan’s 16th birthday, they all looked forward to their family tradition of celebrating their birthdays together when he got sick.
Evan stayed up until midnight to wish his sister happy birthday, then went to bed like normal. He asked his mom, Melinda, to wake him in time to help with birthday decorations.
Melinda attempted to wake Evan the next day, more than once as parents of teens do, when she realized he was unconscious—lips blue. Sensing something terribly wrong, Riley rushed to Evan’s room where she and Melinda immediately began CPR.
“We did the most that we could do for him,” Melinda says. “We were able to get his heart beating again, but he never took another breath after that.”
Medics airlifted Evan to Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. As Melinda layby her son’s side at the hospital, nurses told her to expect a phone call. The phone rang. It was Donor Network of Arizona (DNA), and without hesitation, Melinda said “Yes,” when asked if Evan would have wanted to share life through donation.
“It just gave Evan’s life so much more meaning,” Riley says.
This path of generosity perhaps started a couple months before Evan’s passing. He noticed the donor heart on his mom’s driver’s license and asked her what it meant. After Melinda explained its purpose, Evan said, “I’m not going to be using it, Mom, so why not give life to somebody else?” Melinda and Riley decided to honor what they believed to be his decision.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Even at his young age, he knew and embraced the idea of helping others through donation.
Evan saved six people through the gift of organ donation. He also offered healing to dozens more through tissue donation. Inspired by those gifts, Melinda and Riley started a fundraiser in honor of Evan called 100 Plus Evan to represent the lives he saved, healed and touched. They find comfort in knowing that he lives on in others.
“I just couldn’t imagine not giving them that beautiful gift, and because of [DNA], my world has been changed in so many different ways,” Melinda says.
YOU “DRIVE” REGISTRATIONS
When Evan noticed the heart on his mother’s driver license, the insignia fulfilled its purpose—to spur conversations among friends and family members about saving and healing lives through organ and tissue donation.
Our partners at Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division and authorized third party offices ask the question every day when customers apply for a driver’s license or state ID. In fact, more than 95% of Arizonans currently registered as organ and tissue donors made their generous decision through an MVD transaction.
Saying thank you isn’t enough. Throughout August, Arizona recognizes the lifesaving efforts of our partners at ADOT MVD, and the nation continues to appreciate motor vehicle services partners into September. We fulfill our mission in partnership with you.
Your work truly SAVES LIVES!
The gift of two decades
Twenty years and counting. That’s how long Ramon Gallardo’s liver transplant has extended his life. Since then, he’s watched his children grow into adults and has been present for his grandchildren’s activities.
“There are no words to explain or to thank the family for giving me a new life,” Gallardo says. “It hasn’t been only 20 years, rather a new opportunity to live.”
His niece, Lizbeth Gallardo Apodaca, shares that in Spanish-speaking homes, “organ donation is not a topic of conversation, especially 20 years ago. It was not something that was discussed or even thought was needed.”
But the generosity of Gallardo’s donor has turned that around for his family and anyone willing to listen to his story. Gallardo hasn’t had the chance to meet the family of his donor, but he learned shortly after he received his donation that his donor saved the lives of six people.
“How do you thank someone for such an offering?” Gallardo asks himself when trying to put words to his eternal gratitude.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
You can register as an organ and tissue donor at an ADOT MVD or third-party office while applying for your driver’s license or state ID, but why wait? You can apply online too.
Register today at www.DonateLifeAZ.org.
The impact of multicultural donation
Apache Life and Traditions Surrounding Organ Donation
She lives where organ donation is never discussed, but Imogene Stevens of the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona is having difficult conversations.
The fact that the reservation sits about two hours away from any major Arizona city may contribute to a lack of exposure to donation for transplantation that the people of this community have. Stevens also notices a cultural barrier to learning and teaching about the gift of life.
“We don’t talk about death,” Stevens says. “It makes people uncomfortable. They think it might bring it on.”
As a rare dual-kidney recipient, Stevens encourages her Apache community to register as organ and tissue donors – even convincing some to accept a transplant they desperately need to end the taboo.
Her donation journey started when she was a teenager, and she went into kidney failure in the spring of 2018. In 2021, an organ donor saved her life. Now she works to create better access to the gift of life for others in her Apache community by sharing her story.
Celebrating National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month
Come be part of our August celebration as we honor National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month (NMDAM)! Together, we’ll champion lifesaving and life-healing acts across diverse communities by creating an inclusive culture around organ and tissue donation.
NMDAM began as National Minority Donor Awareness Week. It started in 1996 under the National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP). Its mission aimed to raise awareness about donation and transplantation in multicultural communities, focusing primarily on Black and African American, Hispanic and Latino, Native American and Asian and Pacific Islander populations.
Throughout NMDAM, organ procurement organizations, hospitals and community partners share the stories of lifesaving and life-healing gifts of organ and tissue donation within multiethnic communities. They provide education on donation, host registration opportunities and share inspiring stories of donation and transplantation. NMDAM plays a crucial role in spreading positive messages and encouraging multiethnic communities to consider registering as an organ and tissue donor.
A sigh of relief
Geriece Hightower was rushed to a hospital in September 2023, and her prognosis scared her loved ones. Just less than a month later, doctors eventually said her only chance to leave the hospital was through kindness from a complete stranger.
Geriece learned she had cystic fibrosis (CF) when she was young. CF causes life-threatening damage to the lungs and other organs. So, the possibility of needing a lung-transplant always loomed above her, and a bout with a COVID-19 infection in 2021 brought that reality even closer.
“We are incredibly grateful for families who choose to take an incredibly difficult situation and selflessly give the gift of life,” says Geriece. “For us that means we now have a responsibility to maximize this second chance and use our lives to pay it forward.”
After a month-long hospital stay, getting put on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to make up for her lung failure, a transplant team added her to the national organ waiting list. On the list for less than 24 hours, in October 2023, a donor matched with her in the nick of time – a testament to just how urgently she needed the transplant to save her life because her lungs were only working at 9%.
“Although death is inevitable,” Geriece says, “it’s possible to give potential seeds of life that can extend someone else’s journey and bring beauty to an otherwise tragic situation.”
Donation and transplantation in multicultural communities
Organ and tissue donation and transplantation in multicultural communities happens all year long and can be cross cultural.
Transplants can be successful regardless of the ethnicity of the donor and recipient. However, the chance of longer-term survival may be greater if the donor and recipient are closely matched in terms of their shared genetic background for most organs.
In 2023, organ donors saved the lives of 703 Arizonans.
The selflessness of multiethnic donors shattered records in that same year. More Black and African American, Hispanic and Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander and Native American donors said yes to the gift of life resulting in over 46,000 lifesaving transplants.
Currently, there are 1,683 people on the Arizona waiting list. Roughly 60% of that list come from a non-white ethnic background.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Imagine the impact we can make – saving and healing lives across diverse communities by fostering a positive culture around organ and tissue donation. Our goal? To build a transplant community that celebrates the diversity of all Arizonans and ensures equitable access to lifesaving treatments for everyone.
You can help. Register as an organ and tissue donor online today at www.DonateLifeAZ.org or when you apply for or renew your driver license or ID at an ADOT or third-party office location.
Summer of giving
SMALL DONOR, BIG IMPACT
Kyson Land was a spunky 2-year-old who loved superheroes and was always trying to help others. In November 2019, Land got sick and wasn’t getting better. He was hospitalized and declared brain dead, and his parents immediately thought of giving someone else a second chance through organ donation.
I know we made the right decision. Everyone searches for their purpose in life, and he found his purpose at 2 years old,” says Taryn Salum, Land’s mother.
The hospital held an honor walk for this little superhero, and Land went on to save three people, including two other 2-year-olds. Salum received a letter from his heart recipient and has since written to all his recipients.
“Other than the births of both my children, [receiving the letter] was the highlight of my life,” says Salum.
THE POWER TO HEAL
While organ and tissue transplantation surgeries are now standard and highly successful procedures, the need for organ and tissue donation is still great. Hundreds of thousands of people wait to receive lifesaving organ transplants and life-healing tissue transplants in Arizona and across the nation.
In 2023, 865 lives were saved thanks to the generosity of a record-breaking 349 donors in Arizona. This could not have been made possible without the individuals who made the decision to share life as an organ and tissue donor.
CHOOSING SELFLESSNESS
Acts of generosity can bring a welcomed relief to those in need, just like a refreshing summer breeze. Throughout the summer months , let’s cool down the world with kindness and compassion.
How? Join the 211,764 Arizonans who registered as an organ and tissue donor last year. Declare your decision today as an organ and tissue donor at www.DonateLifeAZ.org.
A HEARTFELT REUNION
Eight years after receiving a life–saving heart transplant, David Axmear finally met Nicole Worrior, the mother of his donor, Richard Nicholas Umberger. Their emotional reunion celebrated the power of organ donation.
“I hope she’s not disappointed,” Axmear nervously admitted before their meeting. But any apprehension vanished as Worrior embraced him. An connection formed, as a piece of her son lived on in Axmear.
Their meeting overflowed with emotion and gratitude. Worrior listened to Axmear’s heart with her own stethoscope from her days as an RN, a moment highlighting her son’s enduring legacy. Tears streaming down her face, she whispered, “Promise made, promise kept.”
Their story serves as a powerful reminder of organ donation’s life-changing impact.
SIGN UP.SAVE LIVES.
This summer, share the gift of life.
As an organ and tissue donor, you can save lives just like Kyson and Richard! Register your decision today at www.DonateLifeAZ.org or at an MVD or third-party office when you apply or renew for a driver license or state ID.
Let’s play ball
A GENTLE GIANT
“Darrell was a tall, gentle giant,” says donor wife, Michelle Yoon. Darrell Boito loved to fix things, including cars, and shared special moments with their young daughter when she tagged along. He enjoyed watching baseball—his favorite team was the Arizona Diamondbacks—and family outings to the zoo and park.
Embodying Darrell’s sport’s fan spirit, Michelle with Elizabeth, their daughter, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at this year’s Donate Life Day at the Arizona Diamondbacks game Aug. 10!
In June 2023, Darrell passed away after a brain aneurysm. He was able to donate his liver, heart, kidneys and corneas to save and heal other people. His passing left the family devastated, but they are thankful for the last Father’s Day weekend they spent together.
The family also finds comfort in knowing that their loved one helped others after his passing. Michelle can picture Darrell saying, “That’s pretty cool!” if he could see how many lives he saved and healed.
“If you are able to help through donation, please don’t hesitate and register to be a donor!” Michelle says.
LET’S PLAY BALL!
Join Donor Network of Arizona and the Arizona Diamondbacks Saturday, Aug.10 for a rematch of the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies as we call attention to the generosity of donor heroes, their families and all donation champions! Thousands at the game and viewers from across the country will see Arizona celebrate the gift of life. To purchase tickets, visit dbacks.com/donatelife.
THROWBACK TO THROWING THE FIRST PITCH: UNITING TWO (TRANSPLANTED) HEARTS
Last year, heart recipient Claire Filson stood on the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch.
“I think she said yes!” the announcer shouted over the speakers. When Filson turned back to face her then-boyfriend next to the pitcher’s mound after the first toss, he was posted on bended knee hoping she’d accept his proposal, and consequently a shiny diamond ring.
Ian Troiani, Filson’s fiancé, also received a heart transplant. In fact, the two met in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in an online group for heart recipients to build connections in an era of social distancing.
“I never thought I would have the chance to date someone who understands innately what I’ve been through. It’s pretty special,” Filson said just minutes before Troiani popped the question in front of thousands of baseball fans.
“I’m just glad she said yes,” Troiani says, recalling how challenging it was to keep his surprise a secret.
DID SOMEONE SAY, “FREE T-SHIRTS"?
Each ticket includes a Donate Life or Done Vida T-shirt and two small gifts courtesy of Dignity Health and the D-backs. Discounted tickets are $30 each, plus processing fees. Find more information and to purchase tickets click the button below!
HONOR ARIZONA DONOR HEROES
All donor families are invited to walk around the field before the game for a Celebration of Life parade in honor of their loved ones. If you are a donor family and would like to participate, please plan on arriving when the gates open at 3 p.m. More details will be sent closer to the game.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Grab your tickets for the 16th annual Donate Life Day at the D-backs at www.Dbacks.com/DonateLife.
If you can’t be at the game, there’s still plenty of opportunities to support Donate Life Arizona. Join the DonateLifeAZ Registry when you apply for a new driver’s license or state ID at an ADOT MVD or authorized third party office. You can also register online today www.DonateLifeAZ.org/Diamondbacks.
Love is love. Organs are organs.
AN INTENTIONAL DECISION
Adison Leigh Rayburn deeply understood the power of sharing life.
“She actually registered to be a donor twice!” her parents, Rob and Shannon Rayburn, say. She passed away after an asthma attack in 2023. Through her decision to register as an organ and tissue donor, she saved the lives of three and offered other gifts for research.
“She was one of the brightest, most curious kids,” says Shannon.
Her parents think she would be elated to learn that her decision saved the lives of others.
They describe her decision to register as a donor as “deliberate” and “intentional.” The Rayburns say the donation process has had a profound impact on themselves as well.
“It has helped to know that not all of our daughter is gone,” Shannon says.
Adison, an animal lover, lived with her girlfriend of five years and two cats before her passing. Her family described her as bright, curious, and unapologetically herself. Adison’s final act was a selfless decision that transformed the lives of many.
BREAKING MISCONCEPTIONS
One of the largest misconceptions about donation is that members of the LGBTQ+ community cannot register as an organ and tissue donor or receive a transplant. This is FALSE.
THE FACTS
Organ donation is regulated differently than other types of donation. LGBTQ+ or not, the eligibility of organ donors is regulated by Health and Human Services. Sexual orientation is neither a factor when determining someone’s suitability to donate or to get listed as a waiting list patient.
HIV and hepatitis C infections, while not exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community, no longer prevent the possibility of organ donation thanks to the HOPE Act of 2015. This act called for research into transplants between HIV-positive donors into HIV positive recipients. This process has since saved hundreds of lives. Learn more here.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates cornea and other tissue donation. Certain medical and lifestyle exclusion criteria may deny members from some avenues of donation, but medical professionals make those determinations after someone has passed. Regardless, anyone’s donation registration is valid.
Sexual orientation and gender identity or expression are never considered during on the side of transplantation, either. People on the waiting list are matched with available organs based on many factors, including blood type, body size, how sick they are, donor distance, tissue type and time on the waiting list by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).
ENCOURAGING EVERYONE TO REGISTER
Julissa Rose Garcia, a talented softball player, tragically lost her life in December 2016 after an ATV accident. By then, Julissa’s family already knew how life-changing organ donation can be.
Her uncle, Chris Alvarado, mentions that several of their family members are organ recipients. Although the loss of life is tragic, and Alvarado says that the “grieving always remains,” the family finds comfort knowing that Julissa’s spirit continues to live on. They are grateful that she was able to help others.
Chris has first handedly seen the impact of organ and tissue donation, and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he continuously encourages all family and friends to register. He says that if he were to describe the family’s donation journey in one word, he considers it “inspiring.”
SHARE LOVE. SHARE LIFE.
Organs are organs. There are truly no limitations to who can register as a donor. Throughout Pride Month, we encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community to register and celebrate the diversity that lies within the LGBTQ+, transplant and donation communities.
Sign up today at www.DonateLifeAZ.org or when you apply for or renew a driver’s license or state ID at an ADOT MVD office.
Organ Donors in Arizona Set Record
Record-breaking generosity
Arizonans have once again proven their extraordinary generosity, setting a new record for organ donation in the state. Forty-five organ donors offered the gift of life in May 2024, the most in a single month in the history of Donor Network of Arizona (DNA). This incredible display of sharing life translates to 101 lives saved through the successful transplant of 118 organs.
“A record number of 45 heroes is made possible first by the generosity of Arizonans in their most tragic moment—choosing life, altruism and the human endeavor that is donation,” says Abdulwahab Al-Saleh, MSN RN CPTC, director of the Donor Optimization department at DNA. “Organizationally it represents the strength we have in unity with our team, organ donors and their families. We’re our best when we work together to maximize the gift of life.”
This record beats July 2023 data when Arizona had 39 organ donors, and it demonstrates the ongoing commitment of DNA to save lives through organ donation, made possible by donors and their families.
In fact, DNA has seen steady growth since its inception in 1986. Organ donation has increased by 180% over the past 15 years—121% increase in the last decade alone.
Register today
You can join the DonateLifeAZ Registry when you apply for or renew a driver’s license or state ID at an ADOT MVD or select authorized third-party office. You can also register online at DonateLifeAZ.org.
Eat spaghetti. Save lives.
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
Through a unique partnership between Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) and The Spaghetti Shack, a new opportunity to connect to the community has come to fruition when both hungry diners and passionate community advocates come together.
The Spaghetti Shack, a community-oriented, fast casual pasta concept, was founded by five lifelong friends in 2022. With locations in Tempe and Pinetop, The Spaghetti Shack offers delicious meals while making a positive impact on the community around them.
DNA hosted The Spaghetti Shack for its 2nd annual fundraiser event at the Tempe office location earlier this year—called the Spaghetti Shacktacular—the first event of its kind at DNA and an opportunity to reintroduce organ and tissue donation to a new audience that enjoyed a build-your-own spaghetti dinner and toured DNA’s operation.
The Spaghetti Shack wants to connect their diners to the lifesaving gift of organ and tissue donation by sharing stories like liver recipient, Valen Krasnov.
Krasnov was just 3 years old when his parents learned he was in liver failure. He needed a transplant. The shocking news came after Valen and his father, Zaccarri Krasnov, went on a camping trip and noticed Valen’s eyes were almost completely yellow – jaundiced. He was admitted into the hospital in June 2021.
Twelve hours after being put on the transplant list, he received a second chance at life – an indication of just how sick he truly was.
SPAGHETTI WITH A PURPOSE
Meet Joey Palomarez, an entrepreneur, restaurateur, community builder and currently the Managing Partner of The Spaghetti Shack.
Being a second-generation restaurateur, Joey grew up working in his parents’ restaurants where he learned the industry and his philosophy on food. With professional experience in both collegiate sports and mortgage sales, Joey turned back to the restaurant industry with his new outlook and mission.
His new mission: Provide quality and affordable food to allow his customers to spend less time cooking and cleaning, and more time with their families and loved ones.
“The Spaghetti Shack is excited to partner with Donor Network of Arizona to recognize those who have given the gift of life and those who have made the decision to be registered donors,” says Palomarez. “We want to partner with DNA to introduce them to our customers and the communities they serve and show the impact that organ and tissue donation has on our fellow Arizonans.”
DINERS DRIVING REGISTRATIONS
Throughout June, help us celebrate donation alongside The Spaghetti Shack. Both locations will host a monthlong registration drive at their restaurants. The Spaghetti Shack will offer a free dessert and a reusable Donate Life bag for customers who register or reaffirm their decision to be organ and tissue donors.
It doesn’t end there! Diners who register or reaffirm their decision will also have an opportunity to enter a raffle for the chance to win tickets to DNA’s Donate Life Day at the Arizona Diamondbacks and a $100 gift card to The Spaghetti Shack. All they have to show is the donor heart insignia on their state ID or driver’s license or a screenshot of the registry confirmation on their smartphone.
Not sure where to go? Find the location closest to you with the addresses below.
The Spaghetti Shack – Tempe location: 6340 S Rural Rd #114, Tempe, AZ 85283
The Spaghetti Shack – Pinetop location: 592 W White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ 85929
eat spaghetti, save lives
Register or reaffirm your decision to become an organ and tissue donor today at www.DonateLifeAZ.org/TheSpaghettiShack or by visiting one of The Spaghetti Shack’s locations and registering in person.
Check out The Spaghetti Shack’s menu and locations by visiting their website at www.TheSpaghettiShack.com. Remember to screenshot your donor registration confirmation or register with them to receive a free dessert and reusable Donate Life bag!
In with the new – Magnifying a donor’s impact
In November 2023, Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) finalized an agreement with Banner Health to create Arizona’s first donor care center (DCC) at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix (B-UMCP).
That means deceased organ donors who meet criteria will be transported to the DCC for continued donor care and the recovery of donated gifts for transplantation.
In 2022, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) committee recommended that organ procurement organizations (OPOs) should have a DCC as a best practice. Through strategic planning, DNA determined that a Phoenix-based hospital DCC would magnify the generosity of donors and their families, expand our impact on lives saved through transplantation, and increase effectiveness for an everchanging health care system.
THE GRAND OPENING
Fast forward from November to now: DNA and B-UMCP celebrated with a ribbon cutting of the DCC Friday, May 24 at the B-UMCP Healing Garden.
“The way we see it, organ and tissue donation offers an additional, meaningful way for a family to remember a loved one they’ve lost. We do this in partnership with Arizona hospitals – especially with Banner Phoenix,” said PJ Geraghty, DNA vice president of Clinical Services during the ceremony.
This event honored the tireless work of many individuals from across Banner Health and DNA, alongside the generosity of donors who have and will be cared for in the DCC before saving countless lives.
“Our names have changed, but our service to the community has only gotten better,” said Kathy Mills, DNA senior vice president and chief financial officer, referring to DNA’s origins as Arizona Organ and Tissue Bank as part of B-UMCP when its name was still Good Samaritan Medical Center. “This is where organ donation started for our state. So, for us, this is a homecoming of sorts.”
benefits of this change
This change addresses an inconsistency in resources during a donor case depending on variables at any given hospital: access to services, staffing shortages and OR space, to name a few. The DCC has critical care space for up to four donors. It is centrally located in the state and near Sky Harbor International Airport, which will help make donor care and organ allocation more efficient.
The originating hospital from where the donor is referred, in turn, will benefit by shifting priority to other types of procedures in their own ORs, which DNA has historically shared, as well as freeing up ICU space the donor would occupy ahead of scheduled organ recovery.
continued donor and family care
Prior to transportation to the DCC, DNA’s donation and family advocates (DFAs) will still collaborate with the originating hospital to complete memory making with the donor family. DFAs will also stay in touch with the donor family throughout the donor care process, then bridging to DNA’s two-year donor family aftercare program.
increasing lives saved
The mission of Banner Health is “making health care easier, so life can be better,” and the mission of DNA is “to make the most of life through the gifts of organ and tissue donation.” Both organizations’ missions align in this new collaboration as we seek to honor the gifts given by donors and their families and to make life better for patients who are waiting for a second chance.
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month
PUTTING LIFE ON HOLD
“Every day you wake up and you’re like, ‘Is today going to be the day?’”
Sejal Patel waited a year for a kidney and pancreas. Ten years later, her donated kidney began to fail, and she was placed on the waiting list for a second time.
Having gone through the transplant process twice, Sejal has put her life on hold for nearly four years of her life.
Read more on Sejal’s story and how a new tool gets the right kidney to the right patient at the right time: How Offer Filters will help more kidney patients, faster.
Celebrating AAPI Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Throughout May we recognize those waiting for a lifesaving transplant, selfless donors who have given the gift of life and the contributions to the world of donation within, and from, this community.
SEMINAL LEADERSHIP
Dr. Harini Chakerra is a transplant nephrologist and the medical director of the Pancreas Transplant Program at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Her areas of expertise include determination of eligibility for kidney and pancreas transplant, providing complex coordination and management for patients after kidney and pancreas transplant and promoting a patient’s understanding of their disease and empowering them to become partners in managing their health. She was responsible for transforming the internal medicine resident rotation in nephrology.
Additionally, she was instrumental in the founding of two fellowships (General Nephrology and Transplant Nephrology) and was the founding leader for the renal block, Mayo Medical School in Arizona. She provides mentorship to several residents and fellows.
Dr. Chakerra has been a seminal leader in elucidating the mechanisms and consequences of metabolic disease post-transplant.
The Numbers
Currently, there are more than 10,000 people within the AAPI community on the national transplant waiting list, 161 that reside in Arizona*. In 2023, 487 people from this community gave the gift of life through both deceased and living donation* in the U.S.
Transplants can be successful regardless of the ethnicity of the donor and recipient. However, the chance of longer-term success may be greater if the donor and recipient are closely matched in terms of their shared genetic background for most organs.
*Data as of May 17, 2024.
A Generous Hero
A generous and friendly person, David Kong valued his family and his faith. The generosity that permeated every element of his life also resulted in him registering as an organ and tissue donor. He even talked to his older children about donation when they turned 16 and got their driver’s licenses.
In November 2021, David tragically passed from a ruptured brain aneurysm. He went on to save and heal lives through the donation of his kidneys, corneas, heart valves and skin tissue.
“When he was able to donate, my heart was breaking at losing him, but I was glad to help prevent another family from the heartbreak we’re experiencing,” says Kendra Kong, David’s wife.
“I always wanted to donate, but it was an obscure thing to me before. However, going through the process, and seeing how much they did for us to honor David at his death, I encourage others to give the gift of life,” she says.
You Can Help
Together, we can save and improve the quality of life in diverse communities. Register as an organ and tissue donor today at www.DonateLifeAZ.org.