News
Pride in Every Gift: Honoring LGBTQ+ Donor Heroes, Recipients, Advocates and the Lifesaving Power of Donation
June 6, 2025
Sierra Donor Services (SDS) is honored to celebrate Pride Month by featuring stories from our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus (LGBTQ+) community who have been touched by organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation!
Each inspiring story reminds us that anyone can give or receive the gift of life regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Learn more about each of these donor heroes, recipients and advocates below, including:
- Beverly Kearney-Ybarra, wife of Renne Ybarra, an LGBTQ+ community advocate and donor hero
- Leanne and Erica Jones, parents of pediatric liver recipient Davan
- GaNeane Lewis, a tissue recovery coordinator at Sierra Donor Services
- Nico and Mark Buan-Lagazo, members of the Phillippine Nurses Association, with Nico being a transplant nurse
- Reyna Portillo-Marzocca, president of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses – Sacramento
- Michael Coleman, Sierra Donor Services External Affairs Director
- Avery Monedero, a young trans woman who became a donor hero
Beverly Kearney-Ybarra, Donor Hero
Beverly was a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate in Sacramento, founding the LGBTQ+ caucus for county social work and organizing Dixon’s first Pride event in 2018.
After experiencing a brain aneurysm, Beverly became a donor hero, her caring spirit saving the lives of others through donation.
“She became that support, which was phenomenal… she was such a large voice and a large presence.” ~Renee Ybarra, Beverly’s wife
Leanna & Erica Jones, Parents of Davan, Liver Recipient
Parents Leanne and Erica were left waiting for a miracle when they learned their daughter, Davan, would need a liver transplant to survive.
Thanks to the selflessness of a donor hero, Davan received her lifesaving transplant and the chance to grow up happy and healthy!
GaNeane Lewis, Sierra Donor Services Tissue Recovery Coordinator
GaNeane plays an integral role in saving lives each day, working tirelessly to connect each donor hero’s tissue gifts to the patients who need them.
When she’s not saving lives, GaNeane is enjoying time with her partner, Terri (pictured left)!
Nico & Mark Buan-Lagazo, Community Champions
Nico is a Transplant Nurse Manager at UC Davis Health, and both Nico and Mark are members of the Philippine Nurses Association!
We were honored to have them participate in our #BeTheGift Donor Dash 5K last October!
Reyna Portillo-Marzocca, President of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses – Sacramento
Donation has a special place in Reyna’s heart, having revealed her love for serving her communities.
“Sacramento NAHN is honored to partner with Sierra Donor Services, as we both value community and strive to make a significant impact in promoting wellness within the Hispanic community.” ~Reyna Portillo-Marzocca
Michael Coleman, Sierra Donor Services External Affairs Director
Michael joined Sierra Donor Services earlier this year and has been phenomenal in encouraging organ, eye and tissue donation registration within our multicultural communities.
When he’s not leading our External Affairs team, Michael enjoys spending time with his husband, Rob, and his daughters, Kristina and Janet!
Avery Monedero, Donor Hero
Avery Monedero was a 21-year-old trans woman with a caring heart and a strong spirit.
In a final act of selflessness, she became a Donor Hero in November 2021, saving six lives and improving countless more through organ, eye and tissue donation.
Avery’s mother, Monica, later found a deep connection with her daughter’s heart recipient, Chris, whose granddaughter is also trans.
“My hope is that Chris, having the heart of a trans person, will bring her closer to her new granddaughter.” ~Monica Monedero, Avery’s mother
“These stories and others are powerful reminders of the lifesaving importance of organ donation and the show of support from our local LGBTQ+ community.”
Sean Van Slyck, Sierra Donor Services CEO
Anyone can register to be a donor regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity! Sign up to save lives today at DonateLifeCalifornia.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.