Saving Lives Together

April is National #DonateLife Month! This April, we invite you to look up to the night sky and the billions of stars that make up the universe. Stars remind us that even in the darkest night, there is light.

So many great events happening this month to recognize that “Donors are Superstars!” Lighting up the Morrison Bridge, Happy Hours, and contests are just a few. Check out all the events on our Donate Life Month webpage!

In February, CLA broke a record in the OPO world when it managed a 72-year-old donor who became the oldest DCD liver donor in the US. aided by Abdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion (A-NRP), the liver was recovered and transplanted successfully. We no sooner finished celebrating that success than we broke our own record and recovered a DCD liver from a 74-year-old donor! It too, was successfully transplanted. Not that many years ago, donors over the age of 40 were automatically ruled out for DCD liver. Technology, meticulous donor management and surgical recovery innovations were responsible for breaking down the age barrier.

The Yes Idaho Donate Life Coalition is a group made up of the organ, eye, and tissue recovery agencies that serve Idaho. They are rebuilding their volunteer base to help with promoting various events to call attention to the need for organ, eye, and tissue donation. Email for more information.

Upcoming Events

April 9, 6:00pm, Envision Sight (formerly The Idaho Lions Eye Bank) will host a dinner for those interested in finding out more about Yes Idaho and potential future events. 1090 N. Cole Road, Boise, Idaho. RSVP

April 10, 9:00am – Boise Mayor McClean has written a proclamation asking Boise residents to register to be donors and talk with their families. The proclamation will be read and a Donate Life Flag will be raised and flown for the remainder of April. Please attend if you can on the steps of Boise City Hall

April 16, 10:30am – A panel of religious leaders will discus their various religion’s views on organ donation at Boise Main Library, 715 S. Capital Blvd., Marion Bingham Room

Today, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) announced another record year for organ transplants, with 46,632 transplants performed in 2023 thanks to the selfless and generous gifts from donors. In addition, 10,824 Black patients received transplants last year, more than any year prior.

Cascade Life Alliance has partnered with SODA: Student Organ Donation Advocates to reach students in our service area. Students who get involved with organ donation advocacy join a network of students from across the country who are mobilizing their peers to make a difference. With guidance from SODA National and our OPO, student leaders advocate for organ donation. Ultimately, this increased awareness results in more organ donor registrations and saves lives.

Organ, eye, and tissue donation is a profoundly unique experience and it is the personal stories shared by donor family members and recipients that give the rest of the world a glimpse at the heroes whose lives have been forever changed by donation.

Would you like to share your story? Use this form to submit your story or contact us with your questions.

The Blossom Pin Award is granted to hospital personnel who go above and beyond in their support of saving lives through organ donation.

T’Neil, a 17-year-old rising high school senior, suffered a brain bleed from which she did not survive. Described by those who loved her as kind hearted, graceful, and often the brightest person in the room. At a young age, T’Neil knew who she was and what she wanted. She was a natural leader in whose presence you felt safe and valued. After all efforts to save T’Neil’s life had been exhausted, T’Neil’s family decided that saying “YES” to the gift of life would be the best way to honor her life and add to her legacy. T’Neil’s gifts saved 6 people, restored sight to 2 others through cornea donation, and helped to heal up to 75 others through tissue donation. T’Neil’s story has inspired many in her community to consider giving the gift of life and register their decision to be organ, eye and tissue donors. 💙💚 #DonateLife

“My ‘Sonshine’, Kenneth “KJ” Rhodes, II, was the embodiment of love, light, and laughter. KJ spent his 29 years of life pouring into others and making EVERYONE feel like they were uniquely his best friend. He was carving a path for himself that was rooted in social justice, with particular desire to target his efforts toward making the future brighter for our children and youth – especially, young black males. I am proud to say he shared my gift of a poetic voice and had begun creating some powerful music with profound lyrics. He was kind, encouraging, never met a stranger, and was selfless to the core. His smile was his trademark. Upon his passing, many noted and stated that the only thing bigger than his smile was his heart. Indeed, it was and is now part of a precious gift and mighty legacy he leaves behind.” #DonateLife #NMDAM2023

Congratulations to A Donation Conversation-a documentary for winning Best Picture!

Alin was a resident doctor, getting ready for her big move to New York. Suddenly, she was diagnosed with heart failure, and everything changed. Thanks to Lucy, her organ donor hero, Alin was able to live on, and give others a second chance at life.

At Cascade Life Alliance, we are striving, along with AOPO members across the country, to achieve 50,000 transplants in 2026.