News
Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 8, 2026
As we move from National Donate Life Month in April to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, Sierra Donor Services aims to spotlight the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation within the AAPI community. Being a donor is a generous way to help others. Did you know one person can save up to eight lives with organ donation and heal up to 75 others with tissue donation? Increased representation of AAPI donors is crucial because transplant outcomes can be improved by matching donors with recipients of similar backgrounds.
Cultural beliefs and misunderstandings cause some to hesitate, but Asian Americans urgently need transplants due to higher rates of conditions like liver disease and hepatitis. Help save lives in our community by registering at donateLIFEcalifornia.org.
ASIAN AMERICAN DONORS, RECIPIENTS, AND THOSE WAITING
EVERY NUMBER TELLS A STORY
lives saved daily through organ donation
Asian American lives saved in the U.S. last year
Asian Americans in the U.S. waiting for a kidney
Did you know?
The AAPI community suffers significantly from liver disease and hepatitis, increasing the risk of organ failure and the need for transplants.
Join us as we highlight members of the AAPI community and honor their legacies, influences and impacts through organ, eye and tissue donation.
Aleya Brooks – Donor Hero
To donate is to give life.
At just 15, Aleya became a donor hero after a traumatic brain injury, saving three lives through the gift of organ donation.
Aleya was known for her determination and her belief that “resilience in adversity produces grit”. She lived to uplift others, a sentiment that continues to shine through the lives she saved.
Nancy Bui-Thompson – Donor Family
Be a hero, save a life.
Paul spent his life shaping young minds as a high school history teacher. He was a true everyday hero.
In 2022, his legacy grew even stronger. As a donor hero, he gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation, impacting countless lives. 💙💚
Today, his wife Nancy carries that legacy forward as a passionate Donate Life Ambassador, inspiring others to say yes to donation wherever she goes.
Gabby Preap – Recipient
Honoring her second chance at life.
Gabby Preap was only 17 when she learned she had a deadly heart condition: cardiomyopathy.
By 19, she was dying of heart failure and a transplant was her only hope. She was placed on a waiting list, hoping and praying that a match would be found soon.
As the days turned into weeks and then months, Gabby’s hope began to fade, but she refused to give up. Finally, after two and a half years of waiting, she received the call that a 19-year-old donor hero named Cassie Campbell had come to her rescue in April 2011.
It’s been more than 15 years since Cassie saved Gabby’s life, and Gabby lives each day stronger than the last, honoring Cassie every step of the way.
Kay Sakamoto – Donor Hero
Leaving a lifesaving legacy.
Kay was known for his dedication to service and his unwavering commitment to helping others as a (SDS: Roseville) Community Service Officer
In August 2020, Kay became a donor hero following a medical emergency while on duty. He saved three lives by donating his kidneys and liver to those in need. His cardiovascular tissue, corneas, skin and bone also helped heal and improve the lives of many more. 💙💚
Kay’s legacy of generosity lives on through his recipients, who carry his legacy forward every day.
CJ Chanco – Donor Hero
A selfless decision to save lives.
Every May, the Chanco family reflects on the passing of their beloved son Christian “CJ” Chanco.
CJ loved being around people and having fun. Anyone would tell you he was the life of the party. He had a way of connecting with people and touched the lives of many in the utmost positive way.
In a moment of tragedy, CJ became a true hero, donating six organs that gave five strangers a second chance to experience all life has to offer.
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month by:
- Registering as an organ donor at donatelifecalifornia.org, registerme.org, through the local Department of Motor Vehicles while getting a new or renewed license, or through the Apple Health App.
- Sharing your decision with your loved ones.
- Following us on social media for inspiring local stories and events throughout the month.
When we come together, we save more lives.
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.