News
Embracing a Lifesaving Decision: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the Gift of Life
September 25, 2024
Sierra Donor Services is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by featuring stories of Hispanic and Latino organ, eye and tissue donor heroes, recipients and advocates!
The need for transplants within Hispanic and Latino communities is great, especially in California. Of the patients waiting for lifesaving transplants in California, more than 48 percent are Hispanic and Latino!
With these stories, we hope to encourage our community to see the tremendous impact they can have by making the decision to save lives as organ, eye and tissue donors!
Noah Hernandez, Liver Recipient
Noah was born healthy but needed a liver transplant after being diagnosed with biliary atresia at four months old.
Six months after his diagnosis, Noah received a second chance at life from a selfless donor hero.
Today, Noah is better than ever, creating new memories with his family and friends every day!
Officer Joseph “Joe” Chairez, Donor Hero
Officer Joseph “Joe” Chairez became a donor hero after experiencing a brain aneurysm while on duty in November 2000.
He gave four others the gift of life by donating his heart, lungs, liver and pancreas.
Today, Joe’s parents, Jess and Theresa, share his selfless legacy as Donate Life Ambassadors, encouraging others register as organ, eye and tissue donors!
Click here to watch JOE 238, a documentary about Joe’s legacy!
Elizabeth Areaga-Novoa, Heart and Kidney Recipient
Thanks to the generosity of a donor hero nearly six years ago, Elizabeth received a lifesaving heart and kidney transplant.
Today, she lives life to the fullest with her husband, their foster child and her extended family.
“I have the privilege to give back as an advocate and Donate Life Ambassador in the Hispanic community.” ~Elizabeth Arteaga-Novoa
National Association of Hispanic Nurses – Sacramento Chapter, Community Champion
We are honored to partner with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses – Sacramento Chapter to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation in our Hispanic community!
Our lifesaving work would not be possible without their support and outreach in the Sacramento area. Thank you for joining us on our mission to save lives through donation!
Quirina Orozco, Community Champion
We are grateful to West Sacramento City Councilmember Quirina Orozco for her outstanding support of organ, eye and tissue donation!
Quirina is a proud Latina and Filipina who has a personal connection to donation within her family.
She also participated as a costume contest judge at last year’s #BeTheGift Donor Dash 5K!
Thank you, Quirina, for encouraging your community to save lives as donors!
Don’t wait to save lives. Register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at SierraDonor.org.
About Sierra Donor Services
Sierra Donor Services (SDS) serves nearly three million people in Northern California and Northern Nevada. We are an exceptional team of professionals dedicated to saving and improving lives by connecting organ and tissue donation to the patients who need them. We strive to extend the reach of each generous donor’s gift to those who are always profoundly grateful for them.