Throughout the winter season across Sacramento, billboards are featuring Sierra Donor Services, celebrating the power of donation, and WE’D LOVE FOR YOU TO SPOT THEM!
If you see one while you’re out now through mid-March, snap a photo and help spread awareness by sharing it with #OneDecisionSavesLives and #SpotTheDot across our social media platforms.
The SDS Billboards can be spotted at the following locations:
The holidays are a time for generosity, reflection, and hope. Grammy award-winning musician Kenny G. lends his voice, beyond music, by partnering with Sierra Donor Services (SDS) with a truly heartfelt message: organ donation saves lives.
In a shared video, the legendary saxophonist steps away from the big stage and gold records to encourage others to be the gift of a lasting legacy by saying “Yes” to donation. With roughly 20,000 Californians on the waitlist, he also reminds us that we each have an opportunity to be the gift that saves 8 lives and up to 75 others. Organ donation, is one of the most profound gifts a person can give, one that can offer families a second chance, a future, and more holidays together.
This season, as we gather around with the people we love the most, sharing stories filled with sweet nostalgia, consider taking a moment to watch the video together and reflect on the impact we can make. One choice, made today, could become someone else’s miracle tomorrow. Sign up to become an organ, eye and tissue donor at sierradonor.org.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, CBS 13 featured a powerful story about fallen Sacramento Police Officer Joseph “Joe” Chairez, whose decision to become an organ donor saved four lives after his passing in 2000.
Joe’s parents, Jess and Theresa Chairez, spoke with CBS about their son’s giving spirit and how his legacy continues to inspire. “I’m here to honor God, honor my son, and honor all mankind,” Jess shared. The Chairez family now advocates for organ donation nationwide, particularly within the Hispanic community, where registration rates remain low despite a high need.
Cristian Morales, Senior External Affairs Coordinator at Sierra Donor Services, also appeared in the segment, addressing the cultural and systemic barriers that discourage many Latino families from registering as donors. “If you can talk to someone in the language they speak, or if you even look like them, it builds trust,” Morales explained. “That’s what we integrate when we talk about organ donation.”
Hispanics make up nearly half of California’s transplant waitlist, but are among the least likely to be registered organ donors.
📺Watch the full CBS 13 segment here.
Be like Joe. Say “yes” to organ, eye, and tissue donation, it’s free, easy, and saves lives.
Register today at Donate Life California.
Sierra Donor Services is a proud sponsor of the new American River College (ARC) Career Technical Education Building, which was dedicated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 17th, attended by our CEO, Sean Van Slyck, and our Funeral Liaison, Chris Donhost. Located on the college’s main campus, this state-of-the-art facility houses a variety of in-demand career training programs. As one of only two colleges in California with a mortuary science program, ARC now offers students the rare opportunity to learn the full death care process on-site, from embalming to holding services, all within their own facility.
Sierra Donor Services commits to investing both time and resources into our local community college’s Funeral Services program. As part of our commitment, we sponsored the “Viewing Room” in the newly constructed mortuary on campus.
This partnership not only supports future professionals in the field but also reflects the communities we serve. In fact, the student cohort closely mirrors the diverse populations SDS is working to build stronger connections with. At our most recent symposium, we were honored to welcome a Native American student, an encouraging sign of the growing representation within the program.
Director of External Affairs, Michael Coleman, recently represented Sierra Donor Services at the 5th Annual Capitol City Black Nurses Association Gala, honoring two scholarship award recipients. Glamorously themed: Roaring 20s, attendees gathered for a dazzling night of empowerment and uplifting leadership among Black nurses. In recognition of their commitment to excellence, Liwan Nerayo and Karen Kurenty-Laryea were awarded the Sierra Donor Services Lifesaving Nursing Scholarship for Excellence in Substance & Service.
Demonstrating our continued commitment to promoting diversity in healthcare, Sierra Donor Services is proud to partner with CCBNA to continue inspiring Black nurses. It is Sierra Donor Services’ honor to support the next generation of healthcare leaders and to stand with CCBNA in championing equity and representation within the nursing profession.
Award recipient, Liwan Nerayo (middle), with Director of External Affairs, Michael Coleman (right)
Award recipient, Karen Kurenty-Laryea (middle), with Director of External Affairs, Michael Coleman (right)
When you register as an organ, eye and tissue donor, you leave a lasting legacy and bring hope to those waiting.
To access the National Registry, click here.