Rooted in Life: Empowering Black Communities to Say “Yes” to Organ Donation
In the U.S., over 100,000 people are currently awaiting an organ transplant. While more than 60% of those waiting come from multicultural backgrounds, these communities, especially the Black community, are underrepresented in the donor registry (source: Donate Life America). Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses disproportionately affect Black communities, putting them at greater risk for organ failure. The need for increased organ donation is urgent, and Southwest Transplant Alliance (STA) is partnering with Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation (AMAT) and the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC) to combat cultural mistrust, lack of information and access barriers to save more lives.
Partnering for Change: How STA is Helping to Bridge the Gap in Organ Donation Disparities
For the past 50 years, STA has committed to the long-term work of engaging with our diverse communities to inspire every person to say “yes” to donation. We do this by sharing resources, education and stories of local families impacted by donation. We also lock arms with our community, as demonstrated through our Rooted in Life initiative.
STA’s Rooted in Life initiative partners with organizations committed to serving diverse populations, including AMAT, an organization that works nationally to raise organ donation awareness within multicultural communities, and the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC), affectionately referred to as “The Divine 9” (D9). The Divine Nine represents nine historically Black fraternities and sororities with a proud legacy of leadership and service. Together, these partnerships enable Rooted in Life to confront longstanding disparities in organ donation by transforming perceptions and inspiring more individuals to register as donors.
Lashon’s Story: How Receiving Life Inspired Her to Give Back
One remarkable story that brings the Rooted in Life mission into full view is that of Lashon Berry, a transplant recipient and devout member of Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Lashon’s life took a dramatic turn in 2012, when she began experiencing bouts of bronchitis. What at first seemed like a common illness soon became something far more serious. After a series of medical evaluations, she was diagnosed with end-stage pulmonary fibrosis, an aggressive disease that scars the lungs and makes it increasingly difficult to breathe. For Lashon, her condition could only be cured via a double lung transplant.
Lashon was confronted with a life-altering moment. While staring down the face of uncertainty, she also needed to prepare for a physically and emotionally grueling journey. Yet, Lashon found strength in her community. Her sisters in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. rallied around her, organizing prayer calls and launching fundraising efforts to help cover the costs associated with her care. Their support became evidence that in the face of life’s most difficult challenges, the bonds of community hold steadfast.
In 2018, the call Lashon had been patiently awaiting arrived: she would receive the gift of life through a selfless donor. The transplant was successful, and Lashon began her path to recovery, one breath at a time. “Organ donation not only has given me more memories and extended my time here with my family,” she reflects, “but it has also given me a deeper appreciation for life.”
Now, as a proud recipient of the gift of life, Lashon shares her journey to advocate for health equity and organ donation. She calls on her D9 family to take action, reminding them that organ donation is a vital way to support the Black community and carry forward the mission of service that has always defined their Greek-letter organizations.
“To my D9 family, I want you to know that organ donation is an important decision. It's one that's very selfless and impactful,” Lashon said. “I'm here today because of an organ donor, and I'm truly grateful. So, I would hope that the message would be that we give all the time for the community, stand up for the community, we're there to support the community. This is just another way to do those things through organ donation.”
Lashon’s story reminds us that organ donation is not a distant issue. It’s personal, especially for communities facing greater risk for health obstacles. Rooted in Life challenges us to reimagine how we show up for one another, turning awareness into meaningful action.
Join us in taking root and saving lives by: