News
Disability Pride Month: Asserting Freedom of Choice Through Organ, Eye & Tissue Donation
July 1, 2024
Contributed by Kyla Aquino Irving, Sierra Donor Services Senior External Affairs Coordinator
July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the rich diversity of the disability community and to recognize the contributions and achievements of people with disabilities. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges and barriers faced by people with disabilities and to advocate for their rights and inclusion.
One important way for people with disabilities to assert their freedom of choice and control over their bodies is by registering to be an organ and tissue donor. Historically, people with disabilities have been marginalized and excluded from many aspects of society, including healthcare. This has led to a lack of understanding about the specific needs of people with disabilities in organ donation and transplantation.
However, people with disabilities can be organ and tissue donors just like anyone else. In fact, organ donation can be a life-saving gift for people with disabilities who need transplants.
Donor Hero Nathan
Nathan Streeter was born with cerebral palsy, but his diagnosis did not stop him from completing his high school diploma, filmmaking and organizing community groups. At 31, he became a donor hero, saving two lives with his kidney and liver.
This is one example of the many people with disabilities who have made the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. People with disabilities are just as likely to be able to donate organs and tissues as people without disabilities.
“Nathan defied the odds, living life to the fullest. And now, because of Nathan’s gifts, two other people can do the same.” ~Steve Streeter, Nathan’s father
Don’t rule yourself out!
If you have a disability, you can still be a viable donor. Organ and tissue donation is a gift that can save and improve the lives of others.
Please register to be a donor and talk to your family about your decision.
To register as an organ, eye or tissue donor, visit BeTheGiftToday.com.
About the Author
Kyla Aquino Irving is the Senior External Affairs Coordinator at Sierra Donor Services, helping to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation through community outreach and partnership development.
Kyla is also a member of the DCI Donor Services Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee.
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.