News
Locks of Legacy Annual Event Honors Donor Heroes
August 21, 2025
On August 9, 2025, Sierra Donor Services hosted its annual Locks of Legacy event, bringing together donor families, transplant recipients, hospital partners and staff in a heartfelt ceremony to honor the courageous individuals who gave the gift of life through organ, eye and tissue donation.
The event, held at the University Union Ballroom at California State University, Sacramento, served as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact donor heroes have on the lives of others. Over 300 families attended to share photos and messages of remembrance, and to witness the placement of engraved locks bearing the names of their loved ones—a permanent tribute to their lifesaving legacies.
“This ceremony is a sacred space for healing, hope, and honoring the extraordinary generosity of our donor heroes. Each lock tells a story of selflessness and second chances.”
~Michele Rosdahl, Sierra Donor Services Aftercare Manager
A diverse and moving lineup of speakers shared personal stories of loss, gratitude, and triumph, including:
- Wanda Smith, 97.5 FM KDEE
- Sean Van Slyck, Sierra Donor Services Chief Executive Officer
- Michele Rosdahl, Sierra Donor Services Aftercare Manager
- Emma Payne, Help Texts CEO
- Brad and Judy Barroso, parents of donor hero Trevor Barroso
- Melissa Blevins, UC Davis Transplant Center Executive Director
- Stephen Kellett, heart valve recipient, and his sister Diana Ferreira
- Earl Lovell, heart transplant recipient
- Audrey Stout, sister of donor hero Sharon Stout
- Elika Bernard, music and chaplain services
- Nicole Kellen, Sierra Donor Services Family Care Director
- Breann Stone, Sierra Donor Services In-house Recovery Coordinator
Sean Van Slyck, Sierra Donor Services Chief Executive Officer, reflected on the event’s significance:
“Locks of Legacy is more than just a ceremony—it’s a celebration of humanity at its best. We are humbled to honor these heroes and support the families who continue to carry their legacy forward. Their courage and compassion light the way for others to say yes to donation.”
The Locks of Legacy event exemplifies Sierra Donor Services’ ongoing mission to honor donors, support their families, and inspire future acts of donation. Each story shared served not only to remember, but to inspire—with many guests expressing renewed commitment to raising awareness about the lifesaving power of organ and tissue donation.
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.