Celebrating National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month

August is National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month

Sierra Donor Services joins the national effort this August to recognize National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month, honoring the diverse donors and families who save lives through organ, eye and tissue donation—and raising awareness about the need in multicultural communities.

Why Multicultural donation matters?

Across the U.S., 60% of those on the transplant waiting list are from multicultural backgrounds. In California, 48% of Californians waiting for a lifesaving transplant are Hispanic or Latino. Patients of color experience higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, resulting in a higher need for transplants. Because transplant outcomes improve when organs are matched within the same ethnic group, increasing donor registrations in diverse communities is essential to saving more lives.

Stories of resilience, advocacy, and the gift of life

We are proud to honor the stories of donors and recipients in the multicultural communities whose legacies continue to make a difference.

Dinah Tor – Kidney Recipient

17 years ago, Dinah received a call about a potential kidney match at 1 AM. She went back to sleep but was confirmed as a match by morning, receiving her lifesaving gift later that day!

Despite health challenges from the young age of 7, Dinah remains grateful for her gift of life, which is still strong, even after chemotherapy.

She remains forever thankful to her kidney donor, whom she will never meet, and all organ and tissue donors for the impact they have on recipients everywhere!

Did you know?

Dwayne Wilson – Heart Recipient

On April 18, 2021, a donor hero changed Dwayne’s life forever and selflessly gave him the heart he desperately needed.

Dwayne continues to honor his donor each and every day, sharing his story and encouraging others to help save lives as donors.

“I just want [donor families] to know that I’m very thankful for what you’ve done, what your loved one has done and what you have allowed to happen for people like me.” – Dwayne Wilson

Nicolas Ochoa – Donor Hero

In life, Nicolas was a sweet young man who loved with all of his heart and always helped people in need. He was an only child and was showered with affection by his family. When he got his driver’s license, he checked YES to being a donor, wanting to save lives if something ever happened to him.

Just 10 days before his 16th birthday, Nicolas selflessly gave the gift of life. He donated his liver, kidneys, corneas and tissue to help save and improve the lives of countless others.

Ms. Wanda Abney – Media Champion

Ms. Wanda and KDEE are vital media champions in amplifying the voices of Sacramento’s Black community. Their voices help raise awareness of the lifesaving importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation.

Ms. Wanda’s passionate advocacy makes her an invaluable contributor to our mission, and we are always grateful to join her on her Full Circle program.

Check out our latest interview with Ms. Wanda here.

How you can help

Whether you are Hispanic, Native American, Black, Asian, or multiracial—you can save lives. Here’s how to make an impact:

✅Register as a donor online or when you renew your license.

✅Talk to your family about your decision.

✅Share your story to inspire others in your community.

✅Follow and share Sierra Donor Services on social media.

If you are a person of color, you can help your community. Now is the time to register as a donor and share your decision with others. Sierra Donor Services encourages everyone to have the conversation and consider registering as a donor. A simple “yes” can bring hope and healing to someone in need. Learn more about how SDS is addressing the need in each of our communities here.

Learn more and register your decision here.