Stories of Hope
Real people. Real lives saved. These are the stories behind the statistics.
Transplant Recipients
Every transplant is a second chance at life. These recipients carry the gift of a donor's generosity.
I waited three years on dialysis. The day I got the call, I couldn't stop crying. Someone I'll never meet gave me my life back.
Maria Gonzalez
Registered as an organ donor in 2019. Now advocates for living donation.
My donor's heart beats in my chest every day. I carry their family in my prayers. This heart was given in love, and I live every day to honor that.
James Okafor
Received a heart transplant at age 34. Runs a support group for transplant recipients.
My two-year-old daughter will grow up knowing that a stranger's extraordinary generosity saved her mama. That's a lesson in humanity no school can teach.
Emily Chen
Liver transplant recipient and mother. Volunteers at her local OPO.
One organ donor can save up to eight lives. Behind every statistic is a family, a community, and a future made possible by generosity.
Donor Families
In their darkest moments, these families chose to give the gift of life.
Losing our son was the worst day of our lives. But knowing that five people are alive because of his organs — that gives his life meaning beyond what we can express.
The Richardson Family
Their son's organs saved five lives after a car accident in 2021.
My husband always said he wanted to help people. When the doctors told us there was nothing more they could do, I knew what he would have wanted. His kidneys went to two people that same night.
Patricia Williams
Her husband's donation helped four people. She now speaks at registration events.
The decision to donate is one of the most powerful choices a person can make — even in death, you can give the gift of life.
Living Donors
You don't have to wait until after death to save a life. These heroes donated while alive.
I donated a kidney to a stranger through a paired exchange program. The recovery was easier than I expected, and knowing someone is alive because of my decision is the best feeling in the world.
Dr. Sarah Kim
Donated a kidney in 2022 through the National Kidney Registry paired exchange program.
My brother needed a kidney. I didn't think twice. The tests, the surgery, the recovery — I'd do it all again tomorrow. He's alive. That's everything.
Marcus Johnson
Donated a kidney to his brother in 2020. Both are thriving.
Living donation proves you don't have to wait to make a difference. One kidney, freely given, changes everything.
YCOD Members
Young advocates who are changing the conversation about organ donation.
I joined YCOD as a sophomore and started a Donate Life Club at my school. We registered 47 new donors in our first semester. If four high schoolers can draft legislation, imagine what thousands of us can do.
Aisha Patel
High school junior and YCOD chapter leader. Registered 47 new donors at her school.
My grandfather died waiting for a liver. I joined YCOD because no family should have to go through that. The opt-out bill is common sense — it's time New York caught up with the rest of the world.
Tyler Rodriguez
College freshman and YCOD volunteer. Advocates for the bill at his state capitol.
Your Story Matters Too
Whether you're a donor, a recipient, or someone who wants to help — join our movement and add your voice to the story of organ donation.
Join the Movement