National Donate Life Month: A Time to Let Life Sing
National Donate Life Month
Every April, Southwest Transplant Alliance recognizes National Donate Life Month (DLM), an annual observance established by Donate Life America (DLA) to raise awareness of the lifesaving impact of organ donation and encourage donor registration. From El Paso to Dallas to Tyler and beyond, we gathered with our Community of Hope to honor donor heroes and celebrate the gift of life.
Each year, the donation community embraces a distinct theme for DLM that parallels the hopeful, heartfelt and positive outlook that illustrates the mission of donation. This year’s theme was “Let Life Sing,” a tribute to the heroes who have given the ultimate gift of life. Across cultures, birds represent both new beginnings and visits from loved ones who have passed away. The annual return of birds and their songs offer a sense of renewal and hope.
Inspiring Stories: Honoring Ivan, A Hero Remembered
Honoring donor heroes is at the heart of our mission. During DLM, we had the opportunity to honor donor hero Ivan, a young man from El Paso who saved three lives through donation. Ivan’s mother, Heyma, described her son as an energetic kid who loved playing sports, especially football. Ivan is remembered for his smile, laughter, and for always joking around with his friends and family.
After her son sustained a tragic head injury, Heyma connected with STA, who guided her through the donation process. Ivan’s generous donation of his pancreas, kidneys and heart saved three lives. His heart went to a teenager the same age as Ivan.
“I always had the sensation that God would give me a sign that I was doing the right thing,” Heyma said. “I believe the kid that was my son’s age receiving his heart was the sign that everything was going to be okay and that I was doing the right thing.”
Ivan’s story serves as an important reminder of how organ donation transforms grief into hope, and how one “yes” can save and heal lives.
Donor Family and Transplant Recipient Meeting
One of the most heartfelt moments of the month happened when the family of donor hero Phyllis met Brian, the recipient of her liver. The meeting was filled with gratitude and healing, offering Phyllis' family peace in seeing how her legacy continues to live on through Brian’s second chance at life.
“I don’t think there could ever be enough words to say, 'thank you.' I mean, you saved his life,” said one of Brian’s daughters.
These courageous conversations embody the spirit of DLM, exemplifying the profound impact of donation and the compassion that fuels our mission.
Flag Raisings Across Texas
Throughout the month, many hospitals throughout the communities we serve hosted flag-raising and other special ceremonies to commemorate the selfless donor heroes and their families. Each flag that rose into the sky symbolized hope, healing and the gift of life made possible through donation.
Healthcare professionals, transplant recipients, donor families and community members gathered to honor the lives lost and the lives saved. Every year, we are reminded how deeply grateful we are to have a community just as committed to advancing the gift of life for as many people as possible.
Community Connect in Tyler, Texas
Delicious food and contagious laughs were shared at a Community Connect event in Tyler. Our Community Connect events are a reminder that donation does more than save lives—it builds communities. They are opportunities for our Community of Hope to come together, tell their stories and support one another. Attendees at the event included local donor families, transplant recipients, donation champions and our staff.
National Donate Life Blue & Green Day
During DLM, we also celebrate National Donate Life Blue & Green Day by inviting our Community of Hope to wear blue and green to help raise awareness of organ donation and the importance of registering to be a donor. We loved seeing and sharing photos of our brand champions proudly wearing blue and green, sharing personal stories and honoring courageous donor heroes for their selfless gifts.
Although DLM 2025 may be coming to an end, our commitment to saving lives, honoring donor heroes and celebrating the gift of life doesn’t stop. Throughout the year, we will continue serving our lifesaving mission, and we hope you can join us each step of the way! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest on our Community of Hope events – including our Hope Starts Here 5K this weekend!