One Vision to Save Lives

More than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. People from every race, ethnicity, and culture are represented on the national transplant waiting list, and many patients have a better chance of finding a compatible donor when donors come from diverse backgrounds.

This National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month, Sierra Donor Services – California (SDS) invites everyone to learn more, talk with their loved ones, and consider joining the organ and tissue donor registry. People of color can help save lives in their communities. A simple ‘yes’ can bring hope and healing to someone in need.

Celebrating Legacy & National Action

National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month was created in 1996 by the National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP) and has grown into a collaborative national effort supported by:

• Donate Life America (DLA)
• Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO)
• American Kidney Fund (AKF)
• Health Resources and Services Administration

Did you know?

Stories of resilience, hope, and advocacy

We are proud to honor the stories of donors, recipients, and donation champions in the multicultural communities whose legacies continue to make a difference.

Meet Winnie Bender:

Because of her liver donor and their family, Winnie was given decades of life.

Read Winnie’s Story

Aleya Brooks – Donor Hero

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.

Each day, we’re reminded that her legacy is one of strength, hope and lasting impact.

Frederick Jones – Donor Hero

Frederick Jones was a man with a heart of gold, a strong will and a desire to help.

He was inspired to register as an organ donor after his sister initially had trouble finding a kidney donor herself.

It was only eight years ago when Frederick fulfilled that lifesaving decision. At the age of 27, he was involved in a car accident that claimed his life but gave him one final opportunity to serve others.

He donated his kidneys, liver, heart, pancreas and corneas to save and improve the lives of those in desperate need of transplants.

Tracee Lewis – Donor Wife

It has been almost 10 years since Tracee’s husband, James, saved lives as a donor hero.

In life, James was a beloved husband, father, brother, friend and a generous and kind man.

For Tracee, James’ decision to be an organ donor meant the world to her, knowing that he was selfless enough to think of others as his final act.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Does registering as a donor change my patient care? Your life always comes first. Doctors work hard to save every patient’s life, but sometimes there is a complete and permanent loss of brain function. The patient is declared clinically and legally dead. Only then is donation an option.

• Does donation affect funeral plans? Funeral arrangements of your choice are possible, including a viewing. Through the entire donation process, the body is treated with care and respect, and the donor family is supported throughout the donation process.

• Does my religion support organ, eye and tissue donation? All major religions support donation as a final act of compassion and generosity.

• Does my social and/or financial status play any part in whether or not I will receive an organ if I ever need one? No. A national system matches organs from the donor with people on the waiting list based on blood type, body size, how sick they are, donor distance, tissue type, and time on the list. Race, income, gender, celebrity, and social status are never considered.

Together, we can build stronger, healthier communities by saying “yes” to hope.

Register your decision today at sierradonor.org.