Cobertura Reciente en los Medios

Aclarando el mito más común sobre la donación: “Soy demasiado viejo para donar”

Este mito es FALSO. Cualquier persona de cualquier edad puede decir Sí y registrarse para ser un donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos, sin importar su edad. No te excluyas; ¡tú puedes salvar vidas! A menudo escuchamos que las personas se descartan y piensan que no pueden registrarse como donantes de órganos, ojos y tejidos debido a su edad o estado de salud, sin embargo, no hay límite de edad para registrarse como donante. Las personas con diabetes, hepatitis y otras condiciones médicas pueden posiblemente ser donantes de órganos. Así que no te descartes, di Sí a la donación y deja que los profesionales médicos decidan si eres candidato para donar después de fallecer.

Comparte tu decisión con tu familia:

Cuando dices Sí a la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos, tu decisión de ser un donante tiene prioridad sobre las preferencias de tu familia. Hablar con tus seres queridos sobre la donación les ayudará a entender y apoyar tu decisión. Además, tener estas conversaciones ayuda a que tus seres queridos se sientan más tranquilos durante ese momento tan difícil ya que sabes cuál era tu decisión. Date el tiempo para tener una conversación sincera con tu familia y comparte tu decisión de ser un donante, ya que esta es una de las conversaciones más importantes que puedes tener con tus seres queridos.

Nunca eres demasiado grande o viejo para donar

• La edad promedio de los donantes de tejidos en Colorado y Wyoming es de 65 años
• En 2018, el donante de tejidos más grande en Colorado tenía 103 años
• En 2018, el donante de tejidos más grande en Wyoming tenía 100 años

Obtén los hechos sobre la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos y compártela con tu familia.

¡Recuerda, puedes visitar DoneVidaColorado.org en cualquier momento para aprender más y registrarte como donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos!

Staff Spotlight: Patrick Vestal

[caption id="attachment_22847" align="alignright" width="334"] Patrick Vestal, Donor Alliance Systems Administrator[/caption]

We’re so proud to work with each and every one of our staff members here at Donor Alliance. In our Staff Spotlight, we like to take a minute to let you learn more about who we are and why we work at Donor Alliance. Patrick Vestal, a Donor Alliance Systems Administrator, is responsible for making sure that all of the mission-critical information systems we use to carry out our mission are online and available 24x7, 365.! Patrick says his favorite thing about working at Donor Alliance is the people and the passion they have for the mission!

Name: Patrick Vestal

Position: Systems Administrator

Years at Donor Alliance: 1 year

Tell us a little about your role with Donor Alliance: As a Systems Administrator, my role is to insure that all of the mission-critical information systems we use to carry out our mission are online and available 24x7, 365. To that end, I make sure we have real-time monitoring of those systems, and that we have near-real-time backups of critical data and the means to recover that data quickly should the need arise.

What is the best thing about working at Donor Alliance? The people. I have worked for a variety of different organizations over my career, many of them in health care with similar life-saving goals. However I have yet to meet another group of people more passionate and dedicated to their mission as my colleagues at Donor Alliance.

What does donation & transplantation mean to you? I think there is an interesting dichotomy that exists within the donation and transplantation process. On one hand, the organs and tissues provided by gracious donors mean that the recipients and their loved ones will receive the gift of a prolonged life. But that joy that the recipients and their families experience is only possible because there is a donor family grieving the loss of a loved one. This is something I keep in mind every day I come to work at Donor Alliance.

When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun? I am an avid aviation buff. I enjoy building and flying large-scale radio controlled helicopters. During the spring and summer months, you can usually find me at the R/C flying fields at Chatfield or Cherry Creek State Parks. During the winter months when the weather becomes less agreeable to outdoor activities, I am at home flying jets and helicopters in an advanced computer flight simulator with my “virtual squadron” buddies online. Many of these friends are real-world military or airline pilots from all over the world.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? It may not be advice, but this quote has helped me countless times throughout my life: “This too shall pass.” I can remember my mom telling me that from a very early age. It didn’t make much sense when I was younger, but I never forgot it. No matter how tough life gets or how bad things seem in the moment, these challenges or heartache are merely temporary setbacks. You can and will persevere.

Advocate Spotlight: Jaime Tellez Jr.

[caption id="attachment_22789" align="alignright" width="500"] Jaime Tellez Jr.[/caption]

Donor Alliance volunteers and advocates are the heart and soul of our efforts to inspire and inform our community about the importance of signing up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor in Colorado and Wyoming. Each of our volunteers and advocates has their own unique and inspiring story to tell. This month, we are featuring Jaime Tellez Jr., a cornea recipient from Aurora, Colorado.

What is your favorite memory volunteering for Donor Alliance? My favorite memory is from the parade of lights. I really enjoyed celebrating Donate Life and what we stand for.

What is your proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment was overcoming my fear of water and learning to love to swim.

What song would you sing at karaoke night? For karaoke night, I’d sing whatever happens to come up at the time.

What are some of your favorite hobbies? I’m a bit of a bookworm, I enjoy swimming, running, and lifting, and enjoy playing video games, specifically those with rouge-like aspects.

If you could take an all-expenses paid vacation, where would you go? I would travel through all 50 states, because I’d like to know this huge nation at least a little better.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it? The last book I read was World War Z. Though it’s a bit dated and some sections require a huge suspension of disbelief, it’s overall a fun read. Just know that there is some strong language...

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Cheap, good, fast. Choose two.

What is your hidden talent? Speed reading!

Como Hablar con Tus Hijos Sobre la Donación de Órganos y Tejidos

En general, puede ser difícil iniciar la conversación con tu familia sobre tu decisión de ser un donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos despues de fallecer. Esta conversación puede ser aún más difícil cuando la conversación es con tus hijos. Para ayudarte a que el inicio de esta conversación tan importante sea un poco más fácil, te sugerimos cuándo y cómo hablar con tu hijos adolescentes mientras se preparan para solicitar su permiso o licencia de conducir.

Cómo funciona:

Cuando tu hijo solicite su permiso o licencia de conducir, se le harán dos preguntas en el estado de Colorado:

1. ¿Te gustaría registrarte como donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos?
2. ¿Le gustaría hacer una donación al Fondo de Concientización sobre Donación de Órganos y Órganos de Emily Keyes-John W. Buckner?

El padre o tutor tendrá que firmar una declaración de responsabilidad y tutela que otorga el consentimiento para que su adolescente se registre como donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos.

Habla con tu Hijo Adolescente para que Tome una Decisión Antes de Visitar la Oficina de Licencias de Conducir:

• Utiliza tu licencia de conducir para iniciar la conversación:
  • Si tú tienes un corazón en tu licencia: Muchos de nuestros voluntarios han compartido que ellos iniciarón la conversación con sus hijos porque ellos les preguntaron por qué tenian un corazón en su licencia o identificación. Puedes cambiar la pregunta y preguntrale a tu hijo si sabe por qué hay un corazón en la licencia. Esta es una manera fácil de iniciar la conversación.
  • Si no tienes un corazón en tu licencia pero estás registrado: tu licencia de conducir aún es una excelente herramienta para iniciar la conversación. Explícale a tu hijo porque no hay un corazón en tu licencia, cómo / cuándo te registraste como donante y qué piensas hacer la próxima vez que renueve tu licencia.
  • Si no estás registrado: Explícale a tu hijo que cuando tramite su permiso o licencia de conducir le van a preguntar si desea registrarse como donate de órganos, ojos y tejidos y donar sus órganos y tejidos después de fallecer. Es importate que tu hijo sepa que esta es una decisión personal que va a tener que tomar.
• Comparte una historia o testimonio sobre la donación de órganos o tejidos o los trasplantes:
  • Si conoces a alguien que recibió un trasplante: Comparte la historia de un familiar, amigo, compañero de trabajo, vecino u otra persona que tu conozcas y que haya recibido un trasplante de órgano o tejidos.
  • Si conoces alguien que fue donante o al familiar de un donante: Comparte la historia de la donación y cómo esa persona salvó y sanó vidas. Esta es la manera más impactante para que los adolescentes comprendan porque la donación de órganos y tejidos es importante y como salva vidas.
  • Si no conoces a receptores de trasplantes: Lee nuestras historias de esperanza y comparte estas historias de personas en nuestra comunidad cuyas vidas han sido sanadas y salvadas gracias a aquellos que dijeron Sí a la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos.

Utilice los recursos en nuestros sitios web:

• donevidacolorado.org
• donoralliance.org

How to Talk to Your Kids About Organ and Tissue Donation

We know that it can be difficult to start the conversation about your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor in general. It can be even more difficult when the conversation is between you and your kids. To help make starting that conversation a bit easier, we’re breaking down when and how to best talk to your teens as they get ready to apply for a driver permit or license.

How it Works:

When your teen applies for their driver permit or license, they will be asked:

• Would you like to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor?

In Colorado, they will then be asked an additional question:

• Would you like to make a donation to the Emily Keyes-John W. Buckner Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund?

As their parent or legal guardian, you will have to sign as well to give consent for your teen to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Once they turn 18 their decision will become a first-person authorization as other adults. So this is a great time to ensure they understand the importance of and facts around donation. Most importantly that signing up to be a donor means you have made the decision to save lives by donating eligible organs, eyes, and tissues at the time of death.

Preparing Your Teen to Make a Decision before their Driver License Office Visit:

• Use your driver license to start the conversation.
  • If you have a heart on your license: Many of our volunteers have shared that they started the conversation with their teens because their child asked them why there was a heart on it. Turn the question around and ask your teen if they know why there is a heart on the license. This is a great conversation starter.
  • If you don’t have a heart but are registered: Your driver license is still a great prop to use to begin the conversation. Explain why there isn’t a heart on your license, how/when you registered and what you intend to do the next time you renew your license.
  • If you aren’t registered: Your driver license is still a great prop to use to begin the conversation.
• Share a story about organ or tissue donation or transplantation.
  • If you know someone who is a recipient: Share the story of a family member, friend, co-worker, neighbor or someone else you know who received an organ or tissue transplant. Did you know that many tissue grafts are used in different reconstructive surgeries such as ACL replacement, skin grafts for burn patients and coronary bypass? You may know someone who is recipient and not even know it!
  • If you know someone who was a donor: Share the story of donation and how a loved one saved lives. This is the most impactful way for teens to understand why organ and tissue donation is life-saving.
  • If you don’t know a recipient: Read our stories of hope. Organ and tissue transplants are life-saving and our volunteers have shared why.
• Use the resources on our websites:
  • https://www.donoralliance.org/understanding-donation/about-donation/
  • https://www.donatelifecolorado.org/understanding-donation/
  • https://www.donatelifewyoming.org/understanding-donation/

For Mom: Three Donation and Transplantation Books Perfect for Mother’s Day

May is finally here bringing blue skies, perfect spring days for hiking, barbeques and yes, Mother’s Day. Finding the perfect gift for mom is no easy task, so we have a few ideas for you to show your mom how much she means to you and say thank you for all she does.

Three Perfect Books for Mother’s Day

If you are looking for that special gift for this mother’s day- look no further. No matter if mom is an avid reader; enjoys the occasional read or just needs some new material for that upcoming trip, a book is always a good choice. Today, we present you with three unique books which center on personal experiences and narratives about donation and transplantation.

1. Courage from Transplant Recipients, by Bob Violino "New Life is a collection of heartwarming and compelling stories that will encourage not only transplant candidates, recipients, and their families, but people who are facing any kind of adversity. Through uplifting accounts of human achievement, readers are left with a deep sense of admiration for the accomplishments and triumphs of the individuals profiled.
2. Second Chance
   In Second Chance, Diane Hebert tells the story of her heart-lung transplant in 1985, the first in Quebec.
3. A Matter of Heart, by Nancy Shank Pedder
   What are the chances that finding a lump in your breast would lead to a heart transplant? One in a million? Nancy Shank Pedder is that one in a million. An inspirational story about courage, family love, and the sheer will to overcome incredible medical odds.

Want to explore other book options? Check out the list of recommended books on organ and tissue donation provided by Donate Life America.

Just as mothers give the gift of life, organ, eye and tissue donors provide a second chance at life and profoundly affect not only the recipients but also their families and communities. This Mother’s Day, we encourage you to celebrate and honor the moms in your life: Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts, and Godmothers and take the time to discuss organ, eye and tissue donation with loved ones. Remember, if you have already signed up to be a donor, it is important you share your decision with your family. You can learn more and sign up anytime online at Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming.

Growing Awareness and Support Through Another Successful National Donate Life Month

[caption id="attachment_22516" align="alignleft" width="498"] Porter Adventist Staff on Blue & Green Day[/caption]

As we close out this year’s National Donate Life Month (NDLM), the team at Donor Alliance is incredibly thankful for the amazing partnerships, immense support and strong advocates throughout the month of April who helped make the month a huge success in Colorado and Wyoming. NDLM aims to encourage Americans to sign up to be organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation.

In honor of NDLM, hospitals across Colorado and Wyoming hosted flag raising ceremonies and engaging light displays throughout the month to help honor those who’ve given the gift of life through organ and tissue donation, celebrate the transplant recipients whose lives have been saved and recognize those who continue to wait for a transplant.

DMV partners throughout Colorado and Wyoming, showed their support for donation and transplantation by joining in on the celebrations! From displaying educational materials, to decorating local driver license offices and dressing up in blue and green on National Blue & Green Day, our DMV partners played an integral role raising awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation in April.”

[caption id="attachment_22546" align="alignright" width="524"] Cheyenne Driver Services Staff on Blue & Green Day[/caption]

NDLM Highlights:

We’ve gathered a selection of some of our favorite stories and coverage from throughout the month Hearing the impact that donation has had on individuals, families and the Colorado and Wyoming communities has been an immense and powerful aspect of the month.

• Denver Post: Former Bronco salutes his heroes – lifesaving donors
• KOAA-TV (NBC) Colorado Springs: “Donate Life” in April
• KUSA-TV (NBC) Denver: Ballet dancer surprises UCHealth patient
• Western Slope Now: Veterans Donate Life
• Greeley Tribune: When it comes to organ donation, more heroes are needed
• Wyoming News Now: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center is shining a light on National Donate Life Month

[caption id="attachment_22514" align="alignright" width="527"] Penrose Hospital Shining a Light on Donation[/caption]

How YOU Can Continue to Help:

We appreciate all who helped Donor Alliance make NDLM a success in raising visibility and awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation.

Even though the month has come to an end, you can still show your support for the nearly 2,000 Coloradans waiting for a lifesaving transplant, year-round! Remember, to follow us on social media, share our content and you can always sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor online at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.

Hollywood Isn’t Reality – Fact Checking New Netflix Series, Chambers

Have you heard of the new horror series streaming on Netflix, Chambers? Maybe you've even started watching it.

If not, the basic premise is a heart recipient takes on sinister characteristics of her donor. It stars Uma Thurman.

While Hollywood is full of entertainment, it's not always full of facts. Story lines centered around donation and transplantation, often contain sensationalism and even errors and Chambers in no different.

Problems With Shows Like Netflix Chambers

• Perpetuates fears
• Spreads misinformation, not facts
• Could impact the lifesaving gift of organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation

How YOU Can Help Set the Record Straight

• Write an email to the production company SuperDeluxe
• Write a letter to Leah Rachel, show creator/writer/executive producer at: 3532 Hayden Ave. Culver City, CA 90232
• Tweet at the showrunner: @AkelaCooper
• Tweet at Netflix CEO: @reedhastings
• Submit a comment to Netflix media center

You can find full, sample content provided by Donate Life Hollywood, including tweets, letters and more here.

As we know, this isn't the only show that has had donation and transplantation as their main story line. Grey’s Anatomy and The Good Doctor are just a few hospital dramas that at times, contain sensationalized story lines.

It's important we all do our part to educate others on the facts behind organ, eye and tissue donation. Shows like Netflx Chambers may harm public trust.

Research shows that story lines perpetuating fear about organ donation keep people from registering as a donor, which can cost lives.

Every day, 18 people die because an organ was not donated in time. Shows like “Chambers” create fear & distrust around organ donation and keep people from saying yes to donating life.

As always, you can get the facts at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org. Be sure to share the facts with others!

Semana Nacional del Trasplante Pediátrico: Terminando la Lista de Espera del Trasplante Pediátrico

Qué es

La Semana Nacional de Trasplantes Pediátricos es un tiempo para hablar sobre el trabajo innovador que realizan nuestros socios clínicos, honrar a las familias de donantes cuyos hijos han salvado y sanado vidas a través de la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos y un tiempo para que las familias receptoras compartan su agradecimiento.

Como parte del Mes Nacional de Donación, la Semana Nacional de Trasplante Pediátrico se celebra durante la última semana completa de abril, del 22 al 26.

El objetivo es difundir el poderoso mensaje de terminar con la lista de espera de trasplantes pediátricos y reconocer a aquellos que han sido tocados por la donación pediátrica de órganos, ojos y tejidos.

Datos estadísticos

Localmente (Colorado y Wyoming):

• 25 niños menores de 18 años están esperando un trasplante que les salve la vida.
• El órgano más necesitado para aquellos que esperan localmente es el riñón.
• En el 2018 hubo 10 donantes pediátricos a nivel local.
• En el 2018, la mayoría de los donantes pediátricos tenían entre 11 y 17 años.

Nacionalmente:

• Cerca de 2,000 niños menores de 18 años están en la lista nacional de espera para trasplantes.
• Más de 500 de los niños que esperan, tienen entre uno y cinco años.
• 1,900 niños recibieron trasplantes en el 2018.
• En el 2018, hubo 875 donantes pediátricos.
• En el 2018, la mayoría de los donantes pediátricos tenían entre 11 y 17 años.

Maneras en las quedes ayudar

Estate atento a nuestras publicaciones en las redes sociales durante la semana del 22 al 26 de abril. ¡Comparte las publicaciones en tu página con #NationalPediatricTransplantWeek!

Recuerda, puedes inscribirte para ser donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos cuando obtengas o renueves tu licencia de conducir o en cualquier momento en línea en DoneVidaColorado.org o DoneVidaWyoming.org.

Como recordatorio, para las personas menores de 18 años, un padre o tutor legal debe autorizar la donación. Al obtener una licencia de conducir, los jóvenes de 15 a 17 años pueden inscribirse para ser donantes, pero hasta que los menores cumplan 18 años, su padre o tutor legal toma la decisión final sobre la donación.

YOU Can Shine A Light On Donation at Home For Blue & Green Day!

On Friday, April 12th, supporters of organ, eye and tissue donation across the United States will celebrate National Blue & Green Day as part of National Donate Life Month!

Why it’s Important:

Today there are nearly 115,000 people in the U.S. awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant and millions more awaiting lifesaving and healing tissue grafts. In Colorado and Wyoming, there are nearly 2,000 people awaiting a lifesaving transplant.

While 69% of Coloradans and 60% of Wyomingites have already signed up on the Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming Registry, April 12^th is the perfect time to show your support and help educate and inspire people to sign up.

How to Participate:

• Change your porch lights - this year, it’s as easy as switching out a light bulb! Just swap out your current porch lights for blue and green ones. You can find the colored lights at your local hardware store for under $5! Get in on the fun and let your neighbors know that YOU support organ and tissue donation! Don’t forget to share your photos with us on social media using #ShowYourHeart and #BlueandGreenDay!

• As always, you can show your support by donning your favorite blue and green outfit! Take a picture, share it on social with why you support organ, eye and tissue donation… and don’t forget to tag Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming!

• #ShowYourHeart project - find our decorating stations and decorate an inspirational cork heart. Remember, you can bring these hearts to participating restaurants or movie theaters and redeem for freebies! Also, be sure to share a picture with you and your cork heart on social media with #ShowYourHeart (while wearing your blue and green, of course)!

• Donate Life America photo contest - wear your best outfit, get a group together for a picture, make your best blue and green food… the options are endless. Just follow the link above to learn how to submit your best #BlueandGreenDay pictures!

• Sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org!

What is a Donate Life flag raising ceremony and what does it mean?

Have you ever seen a Donate Life flag raising ceremony? Ever wondered what the Donate Life flag represents? In this post, we’re breaking down what the ceremony means and why they are held, what the flag stands for, and how you can continue to show your support for organ, eye and tissue donation.

National Donate Life Month is just around the corner!

This month-long celebration in April honors the generosity of organ, eye and tissue donors and their families and commemorates all transplant recipients and those still waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

What is a Donate Life flag raising ceremony and what does it mean?

If you have never been a part of a flag raising ceremony or you have driven by a local hospital and witnessed the Donate Life flag flying on their flagpole in April, you’ve probably wondered what it means.

Each year, hospitals across the United States raise Donate Life flags and fly them all month long as part of National Donate Life Month (NDLM). NDLM is a time to spread awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation and to honor those who gave the gift of life. Donate Life flags have served as a nationwide display of unity, remembrance, and hope, while honoring those touched by donation and transplantation since 2006.

Flag raising ceremonies, though unique to the attendees and the hospitals hosting them, is a display of honor and support for organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

Beginning next week, numerous hospitals in our region will raise the Donate Life flag in a ceremonial fashion. To find an event near you to attend, visit our event calendar.

Each ceremony is unique to the attendees and hospital, but the display of honor and support for donation and transplantation holds true across Colorado and Wyoming.

What Does the Donate Life Flag Represent?

Since 2006, Donate Life flags have served as a nationwide display of unity, remembrance and hope. They are a symbol to honor heroic organ, eye and tissue donors.

While Donate Life flag raising ceremonies are often held in April for National Donate Life Month, the Donate Life flag can actually fly all year long.

In Colorado, many hospitals fly the flag every time someone has given the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. Flying that flag is a small yet powerful way to honor selfless donors and their families.

What Can You Do to Show Your Support?

Now that you know what the Donate Life flag represents and why flag raising ceremonies take place in Colorado, we encourage you to keep an eye out for the Donate Life flag when you drive by a local hospital. Some even hold a small moment of silent reverence for donors and their family whenever they see the Donate Life flag flying high.

This April, be sure to #ShowYourHeart in honor of National Donate Life month. Getting involved is easy! Upload a photo, customize it with a heart that represents the gift of life, then share that photo, and why you signed up as a donor, on social! Help us reach 2,000 photo submissions in April to represent the number of people in our local area waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

One way you can show your support and honor all those who have given the gift of life all year long, is to sign up as an organ, eye and tissue donor. You can sign up online anytime at Donate Life Colorado or at the Driver License Office, when you renew or obtain your driver license or state I.D.

If just 2,000 of us inspire one person to sign up, thousands of Coloradans could be saved through organ, eye and tissue donation. Just like to Donate Life flag spreads awareness and honor for the gift of life, you can spread awareness too to help save lives – the lives of our neighbors, friends and loved ones.

Join the celebration this year by signing up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming. Then checkout all the other ways you can celebrate National Donate Life Month with us and #ShowYourHeart!

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.donoralliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/flag-in-the-wind-011519.mp4" autoplay="true" preload="auto"][/video]

Colorado and Wyoming Shine A Light on Donation for National Donate Life Month

#ShowYourHeart for National Donate Life Month this April and help shine a light on donation!

As part of the #ShowYourHeart Project, Donor Alliance teamed up with area hospitals and organizations to help spread awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation.

You're encouraged to get involved and show your support for the nearly 2,000 people in Colorado and Wyoming waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

Check out some of our initiatives this April:

Illumination Project

NEW this year: Participating hospitals across Colorado and Wyoming will be awash with blue and green lights throughout National Donate Life Month to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation!

How it works:

Community members are encouraged to view the #ShowYourHeart Illumination Project. Be sure to snap a picture of the light and share it on social media with #ShowYourHeart!
Hospitals participating in our #ShowYourHeart Illumination Project:

• Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
• Lutheran Medical Center
• The Medical Center of Aurora
• UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies
• UCHealth Memorial Hospital (Colorado Springs)
• North Colorado Medical Center
• North Suburban Medical Center
• Parker Adventist Hospital
• Penrose Hospital
• Porter Adventist Hospital
• Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center
• Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
• Saint Joseph Hospital
• Sky Ridge Medical Center
• St. Francis Medical Center
• St. Mary’s Medical Center
• Swedish Medical Center
• UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
• Wyoming Medical Center

Want to shine a light on donation at home? Take part in the fun on National Blue & Green Day by swapping out your regular outdoor lights, for blue and green ones!

#ShowYourHeart Project

#ShowYourHeart with us! Decorate hearts with personalized messages of inspiration to show appreciation for those who have signed up to become organ, eye and tissue donors and inspire others to do the same.

How it works:

Locate a decorating station in your area by checking our map:

Decorate your heart and share on social media with #ShowYourHeart. You're also encouraged to share why organ, eye and tissue donation is important to you!

Decorated hearts can be saved and redeemed for free promotions. Simply take your decorated heart, or show the heart on your driver license, to a participating restaurant or movie theater for special discounts.

More Ways to Get Involved

• Attend one of our events in April
• Check out our online toolkit for free National Donate Life Month Resources
• Follow us on Social Media!

Remember, you can ALWAYS #ShowYourHeart and your support year-round by signing up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org. Then share your decision with your family and loved ones.