News
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15, 2025
At Sierra Donor Services, we are proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) by honoring the incredible generosity, resilience, and stories of the Hispanic and Latino communities across our state. Every year, thousands of families say “yes” to organ, eye and tissue donation, giving the gift of life to others in need. In California, our Hispanic community plays a vital role in this lifesaving mission; however, the need for registered donors remains high. Across the nation, more than 60% of those waiting for a life-saving transplant are from multicultural communities, with thousands of Hispanic men, women, and children hoping for their second chance at life.
HISPANIC DONORS, RECIPIENTS, AND THOSE WAITING
EVERY NUMBER TELLS A STORY
lives saved daily through organ donation
Hispanic donor heroes from CA in 2024
Hispanic lives saved in the U.S. last year
Hispanics in the U.S. waiting for a kidney
Did you know?
“Salvar una vida es como salvar al mundo entero.”
To save one life is like saving the whole world.
This month, we are highlighting stories of local heroes: families who have turned loss into hope, and recipients whose lives have been transformed by donation. These powerful stories serve as a reminder of the impact one “yes” can have — not just on a single person, but on entire families and communities. Find more stories of hope here.
Cristian Morales – SDS Sr. External Affairs Coordinator, Donation Champion
“Ahorita hay más de 90% de gente que necesita los riñones y es por la alta presión y por diabetes, entonces muchos no reciben estos regalos y no pueden, desafortunadamente vivir vidas largas con sus familias“
Right now, more than 90% of people need kidneys because of high blood pressure and diabetes, so many don’t receive these gifts and, unfortunately, can’t live long lives with their families.
Jess & Teresa Chairez – Donor Family
Donar es dar vida.
To donate is to give life.
Officer Joseph “Joe” Chairez became an organ donor after experiencing a brain aneurysm while on duty in 2000, saving four lives by donating his heart, lungs, liver, and pancreas.
Bill Talavera – Donor Hero
Sé un héroe, dona vida.
Be a hero, save a life.
You’ll also see us out in the community during Hispanic Heritage Month, sharing education and resources to help families start the conversation about donation. Together, we can honor our culture, celebrate life, and inspire more Californians to register as donors.
Celebrate Hispanic 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.