Like birds of a feather …
04/1/2025OUR 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.