The Heart of it All: Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Week
04/21/2025TRIUMPH 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.