News
Celebrating Diversity in Donation: Multicultural Donor Awareness Month
July 29, 2024
Sierra Donor Services (SDS) is featuring stories of Sacramento area organ donation advocates in honor of National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month.
Nearly 80 percent of California’s organ transplant waitlist are people of color. Despite the high need, people of color are less likely to be registered as organ donors. This disparity is due to many factors, including cultural beliefs, language barriers, mistrust of the medical system and a lack of awareness about organ donation.
The campaign will convey the lifesaving importance of organ donation for while also dispelling common myths about donation!
“By sharing local stories, we hope to resonate with more people and inspire them to partner with us to save and improve more lives.” ~Sean Van Slyck, SDS Executive Director
Kay Sakamoto, Donor Hero
Kay Sakamoto was known for his dedication to his work and his commitment to helping others as a Roseville Police Community Service Officer.
As a donor hero, he saved lives by donating his kidneys, liver and cardiovascular tissue.
Kay’s corneas, skin and bone were also donated to help others in need.
Patrice Broussard, Liver Recipient
For Patrice Broussard, a liver transplant was her second chance at life.
She would not be working at the California State Capitol as a Senior Assistant for Assemblymember Jacquie Irwin had she not received her lifesaving gift.
“Thanks to my liver donor, I was given a second chance at life. I hope that by sharing my story, I can encourage others to save lives as organ, eye and tissue donors.” ~Patrice Broussard
Leimomi Mabanta, Waiting for a kidney
Leimomi Mabanta is one of the 89,000 people waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant in the United States.
“There are thousands of people out there that need donors. I’m one of them. I’ve been waiting for a kidney for two years, but I’m hopeful that I will receive a transplant soon.” ~Leimomi Mabanta
Oscar Villegas, Donor Family
Yolo County Supervisor Oscar Villegas saw the lifesaving impact of donation when his father became a tissue donor.
“My father was a donor, and a year after he passed, we received a card in the mail telling us his tissue had been used – a subtle reminder of the lifesaving impact that donation has on others.” ~Oscar Villegas
Bapu Vaitla, Living Kidney Donor
City of Davis Councilmember Bapu Vaitla is a proud living kidney donor, having donated his kidney to another Asian American Pacific Islander individual in a kidney donation chain with six donors and six recipients.
“The process was one of the most profound experiences of my life. Organ and tissue donation saves lives! Please consider registering to be a donor.” ~Bapu Vaitla
Wanda Smith, Media Champion
Wanda Smith is an incredible Media Champion, sharing information about organ, eye and tissue donation with her listeners on KDEE Full Circle!
Click here to listen to our latest episode with Ms. Wanda!
“I have always been a champion of organ and tissue donation. I have witnessed first hand how transplantation can not only save a life, but give a recipient and their family another opportunity to live, love and thrive.” ~Wanda Smith
Jose Bodipo-Memba, Community Champion
SMUD Chief Diversity Officer Jose Bodipo-Memba had a change of heart about donation when he saw the critical need for donors in his community.
“When I first got my driver’s license, I was afraid to commit to organ donation. Due to my fear and ignorance, I said no. But as I learned about friends, loved ones and community members waiting for transplants, I soon realized that I had made a short-sighted decision. I am registered now and encourage everyone to register!” ~Jose Bodipo-Memba
Sacramento Nursing Associations, Community Champions
Our lifesaving work would not be possible without the help of nursing associations throughout the Sacramento area!
The Capitol City Black Nurses Association, Philippine Nurses Association and the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses have lent their invaluable support for organ and tissue donation equity as allies, advocates and volunteers for Sierra Donor Services.
We are grateful to work alongside them to save lives through organ, eye and tissue donation!
A diverse pool of registered donors increases the chances of someone on the waitlist receiving their lifesaving transplant! Register today at SierraDonor.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.