Dylan Contreras
September 12, 2023
Dylan found new life through photography after battling kidney disease. He now shares his story to inspire organ donation.
Press Releases
View recent news about Donate Life Pennsylvania:
Celeste Brown
August 18, 2023
Celeste received her life-saving transplant and is now an advocate for the power of organ donation.
Diane Anderson
August 7, 2023
These days, Diane Anderson, a double-lung transplant recipient, is on the move.
Donate Life Pennsylvania to Host Fourth Annual PA Donor Day
July 31, 2023
Join us for our fourth-annual PA Donor Day! Let’s unite to support organ and tissue donation, educate, and encourage everyone to register as donors. Together, we can make a difference.
Rosie Hershberger
July 19, 2023
Donor mother wants you to know that anyone can register as an organ donor
Debra White Roberts
July 13, 2023
A Mother’s Mission in Advocating for Organ Donation in Communities of Color
Jennifer Ovechka
July 10, 2023
From breathlessness to running miles, Jennifer Ovechka’s cystic fibrosis journey shines a light on #ChronicDiseaseDay
Earl Jones
June 15, 2023
Celebrating the #giftoflife as a dad and grandpa, two decades post-heart transplant
Jennifer Rouse
May 18, 2023
National Women’s Health Week Spotlight: Jennifer Rouse Reclaims Health and Vitality After Liver Transplant
Katherine Strickland and Anna Fischman
May 12, 2023
Celebrating Post-Transplant Motherhood: Katherine and Anna Meet 35 Years After Infant Surgery
Jill Dillman-Stull
Nurse’s health scare deepens commitment to encouraging organ and tissue donation
Margaret Ferguson
April 28, 2023
Husband honors wife’s legacy of service by helping other donor hero families
Xyla Blackshear
Transplant-listed youngster revels in cooking without being able to eat her creations
Taylor Dyer
April 26, 2023
Young transplant patients score big in sports, shine at 76ers recognition
Michael Seidick
April 21, 2023
Lehigh Valley man’s life saved twice by organ donors, giving him a legacy of gratitude
Celebration of National Donate Life Month
April 14, 2023
Families Impacted by Organ Donation, State Officials and Organ Donation Organizations Celebrate National Donate Life Month.
Susan Stuart
March 31, 2023
Susan Stuart, president and CEO of CORE, honored with prestigious leadership award
Jan L. Weinstock, Esq.
March 22, 2023
Jan L. Weinstock, Esq.: Leader in Crafting Organ Donation Legislation
Diana and Mike Natale
March 16, 2023
Kidney transplant recipient keeps it moving at Transplant Games of America.
Nancy Kaminski
March 14, 2023
Kidney transplant recipient keeps it moving at Transplant Games of America.
Dannielle Small
March 7, 2023
After seven-year wait for kidney transplant, Dannielle Small builds a full life.
Victor Wilson
February 28, 2023
Airforce veteran volunteers with support group and CORE after heart transplant.
Noelle Ciccone
February 24, 2023
Hockey fan celebrates her 21st birthday all thanks to receiving a donor heart valve at the age of 9.
Althea Fogle
February 21, 2023
Philadelphia woman knows both sides of organ and tissue donation
Pennsylvania Organ Donations and Transplants 2022
February 17, 2023
Pennsylvania leads in life-saving organ donations and transplants
Michael Debiase and Lisa Rigione
February 13, 2023
Bangor man unexpectedly passes and donates to save 6 lives in one day.
Billy Welsh and John Gladwell
February 11, 2023
Super Bowl LVII is Sunday, or as Eagles fan Billy Welsh calls it, the battle of the kidneys.
Dennis and Heather Haley
February 10, 2023
Wife was a match to become husband’s living kidney donor.
Leslie Sorg and Jeffrey Crass
February 8, 2023
A love story born from two heart transplants.
Matt Millen
February 4, 2023
Bucks County Super Bowl champion receives successful heart transplant.
Laverne Clark
January 31, 2023
Heart transplant gives Philadelphia woman a second chance at life
Christian Seymour
January 19, 2023
Midstate firefighter walks Donor Dash in full gear to benefit organ donation
Yolanda White
January 16, 2023
Big heart in Pittsburgh donates kidney and liver to save two people
Jeff Kalage
January 9, 2023
Retired NYPD officer receives ‘Easter miracle’ through organ donation
Second Chance Fundraising
December 21, 2022
Heart transplant recipient champions organ donation, recognizes student advocates.
The Kennedy Family
December 15, 2022
Allentown locals Liz and Dave Kennedy share their personal story on the importance of organ and tissue donation.
Sean and Patrick Boyle
November 28, 2022
Two Pittsburgh natives receive life-changing news that strengthened their brotherly bond to an anatomical one.
Pastor Donald Tucker
October 17, 2022
Liver Recipient and Pastor Becomes Strong Advocate For Organ and Tissue Donation
Heather Leverington-Dotterer
Mother is given second chance at life with double lung transplant
Ta’Mar Ellensworth
September 30, 2022
Woman Lives Happy and Healthy Life After Double Lung Transplant
Eve Lieberum
September 7, 2022
Newborn Leaves Behind Lasting Legacy Through Organ Donation
Rafiah Cheeks
September 1, 2022
Liver Recipient Represents Philadelphia in the Transplant Games
Dr. Thomas Butler, MD MS FACS
August 31, 2022
Dr. Thomas Butler explains the importance of #NationalMinorityDonorAwarenessMonth
Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew
August 18, 2022
We sat down with Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew to discuss #NMDAM
Quinn Santini
August 1, 2022
Little Girl Now Thriving In Pre-School After Heart Transplant
Daniel Snowden
Family man and athlete to compete in the Donate Life Transplant Games thanks to his gift of life
Melvin Protzman
June 15, 2022
Heart Recipient Becomes a Strong Advocate for Organ Donation In Honor of His Donor
Curtis Upsher
June 1, 2022
Community leader leaves behind his pioneering legacy through tissue and cornea donation
Derek Fitzgerald
Man becomes first cancer-surviving heart transplant recipient to complete a full Ironman triathlon, thanks to his organ donor
Brian Rath
Husband and father of two celebrated his 10-year transplant anniversary by running in this year’s Donor Dash
Ryan & Heather McNamara
May 24, 2022
A little boy’s gift of life leaves behind lasting legacy
Nancy Douglass
May 11, 2022
Dedicated therapist receives life-saving transplant, allowing her to continue helping others
Janet Dennis
May 9, 2022
Inspiring athlete and passionate motivational speaker receives a second chance at life after heart transplant
Alecia McFadden
A fierce mother gives birth to 3 healthy miracles after a lifetime of being told she never could
Amanda Chivington
April 1, 2022
Cornea and tissue donor makes a lasting difference in others’ lives through donation
Amanda Demchak
March 24, 2022
Kidney Recipient Able to Pursue Her Dreams After Kidney Transplant
Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew
March 3, 2022
Strong Advocate for Minority Populations is Appointed The Health System’s First Chief Clinical Diversity & Inclusion Officer (CCDIO)
Diana Bell
Mother receives saving kidney transplants and is able to dance with son at his wedding
Dr. Neal Stansbury
February 22, 2022
Competitive cyclist receives a heart transplant within his last few weeks of life
Alex Anaya
February 17, 2022
Philadelphia Father Donates Heart, Leaves Behind Heroic Legacy
Ron Gooden
February 7, 2022
Football coach continues his dreams with a second chance at life.
Lukeman Harvey
January 21, 2022
Paired kidney exchange enables a young couple to give and receive the gift of life.
Lauren Gydosh
December 17, 2021
Young woman offers her friend a second chance at life through organ donation
Bruce Edwards
November 11, 2021
Cornea Recipient and Donor Father Advocates for Organ Donation Awareness
Andy Koehle
October 29, 2021
Young veteran continues his service by giving others the gift of life
Rockland Harvey
September 27, 2021
Young boy receives gift of sight through cornea transplant
Abudl-Kareem Salahuddin
Man receives life-saving liver transplant and makes a lifelong friend
Kelly Schmitt & Rok Hyon
Living Kidney Donor’s Mother Inspired Her to Give the Gift of Life.
Ervin Miller
May 4, 2021
Passionate educator and kidney transplant recipient returns to help local students.
Rosie Vargas
March 29, 2021
Bright light shines on for children’s transplant patient named 2020 CMNH Champion.
Jackie Kelble
February 24, 2021
Mother of two finds comfort in husband’s life-saving legacy.
Ramona Howard
February 5, 2021
Philadelphia woman gets her life back after four life-saving organ transplants.
Joe Mansaray
February 1, 2021
After being diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition that took his mother’s life, Joe shares his story about receiving a heart transplant.
Brenda Tate
To save the life of her brother, Brenda started a kidney chain that included eight donors and eight lives saved.
Faith and Julie Kilkeary
Born with a severe heart defect, Faith and her mother share her journey to a life-saving heart transplant.
Zachary Zozula and Jackie Bartlett
January 11, 2021
From friends to sharing an inseparable bond, Zachary and Jackie share their story.
Arlinda Griffith and Mary Smith
January 4, 2021
Two strangers are now best friends thanks to a shared connection.
Vicky Keene
Lung recipient Vicky recalls her daily struggles waiting for a transplant and the second chance she was given.
Quinn Santini
At just 2 weeks old, Quinn was put on the transplant waiting list to receive a new heart.
Brian Zionts-Bernstein
Diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Brian shares his journey to his double-lung transplant.
2021 PA Donor Day
December 9, 2020
Pennsylvania’s second annual PA Donor Day encourages Pennsylvanians to register as organ and tissue donors.
Austin Flores
November 2, 2020
Man leaves behind lasting legacy, encouraging friends and family to learn more about organ and tissue donation
Colleen Higbee
7,000 Pennsylvanians are waiting for their second chance at life. Meet one of those patients, Colleen.
Wayne Meyers
Wayne, a heart transplant recipient, and his wife celebrate 16+ years since his gift of life by giving back.
Donate Life Pennsylvania to Hold First-Ever PA Donor Day
December 23, 2019
Harrisburg, Pa., (Dec. 10, 2019) – Every 10 minutes someone in Pennsylvania is told they need a life-saving transplant. With more than 7,500 patients currently on the transplant waiting list, the need for more registered organ and tissue donors is a public health crisis. To educate and unite Pennsylvanians around the solution, Donate Life Pennsylvania […]
Donate Life PA Launches New Unifying Campaign to Promote Organ Donation Registration
February 5, 2019
Donate Life Pennsylvania today launched a new campaign that highlights everyday differences, preferences and lifestyle choices as a way to unify Pennsylvanians in support of organ donation registration. “The Commonwealth is a diverse state, with urban, suburban and rural communities, and despite that diversity, as Pennsylvanians, we all share common values,” said Susan Stuart, President […]
2018 Donate Life Month Proclamation
April 1, 2018
Official proclamation from PA Governor Tom Wolf Download Official Proclamation from PA Governor Tom Wolf
This Valentine's Day: Liver, Laugh Love
February 1, 2018
Donate Life Pennsylvania Celebrates National Donor Day with Custom Cards I love you with all of my…kidney? Each year, Valentine’s Day coincides with National Donor Day, and for the second year in a row, Donate Life Pennsylvania is inviting everyone to get ready for February 14 with custom digital greeting cards that celebrate both occasions. […]
PA Residents Featured in Statewide Organ and Tissue Donation Campaign
April 30, 2017
“Human Side of Donation” explores the stories of donor families and recipients at all stages of the donation process. The “Human Side of Donation” campaign, facilitated by Donate Life Pennsylvania, showcases real-life vignettes of the individuals and families personally affected by organ and tissue donation. From donor families to donation recipients to those on the […]
2017 Donate Life Month Proclamation
March 31, 2017
Click below to view the Official Proclamation from PA Governor Tom Wolf.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day and National Donor Day with Donate Life PA’s Custom Cards
February 7, 2017
HARRISBURG, Pa. — I love you with all of my…kidney? Each year, Valentine’s Day coincides with National Donor Day, and Donate Life Pennsylvania is inviting everyone to get ready for February 14 with custom digital greeting cards that celebrate both occasions. “I would let my heart be yours,” reads one of the cards. Another says, “I […]
Donate Life PA Presents a Resolution You Can Actually Keep – It Only Takes 30 Seconds
December 26, 2016
HARRISBURG, Pa. — This January, choose a meaningful New Year’s resolution that’s free, easy and won’t easily be broken: registering as an organ and tissue donor. Every January 1, Pennsylvanians make resolutions to start the New Year off on the right foot. While resolving to save money or exercise regularly are worthwhile causes, many people fail […]
Pittsburgh Donor Family, Transplant Recipients Join Together to Give Thanks
November 22, 2016
Family gives thanks with the recipients of son's lifesaving gifts.
Philadelphia Donor Family, Transplant Recipients Meet and Celebrate Thanksgiving
November 21, 2016
Donor family & recipients break bread and share thankful thoughts.
Donate Life PA asked non-donors if they would accept an organ transplant. 82 percent said yes.
November 14, 2016
Donate Life PA asked non-donors if they would accept an organ transplant if they needed one. 82 percent said yes.
Donate Life Month Proclamation
March 31, 2016
Click below to view the Official Proclamation from PA Governor Tom Wolf.
Ugly Truth: Pennsylvanians Post Ugly Photos Online and Encourage Friends to Register as Donors
March 21, 2016
The Ugly Truth? Someone in Pennsylvania dies every 18 hours waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.
Philadelphia Celebrates National Donor Day at Franklin Institute’s Giant Heart Exhibit
February 15, 2016
On February 14th, the Franklin Institute hosted three extraordinary recipients and their families whose lives were directly impacted by receiving a heart transplant at a National Donor Day press conference, sponsored by Donate Life Pennsylvania and Gift of Life Donor Program (GOL).
Pittsburgh Celebrates National Donor Day at Carnegie Science Center
Carnegie Science Center hosted three extraordinary families whose young children received heart transplants at a National Donor Day press conference, sponsored by Donate Life Pennsylvania and the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) on February 14.
Gift of Life Donor Program Sets New National Record for Organ Donation in 2015
January 7, 2016
PHILADELPHIA – Gift of Life Donor Program — the non-profit, federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) serving the eastern half of Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware — is the leading OPO in the nation for the eighth year in a row with its successful coordination of life-saving gifts from 483 local organ donors, which […]
Philadelphia: A New Year’s Resolution You Can Keep – In 30 Seconds
December 28, 2015
PHILADELPHIA – As 2015 quickly draws to an end, residents throughout Pennsylvania are busy making holiday plans and thinking of resolutions to start the New Year on the right foot. Though these resolutions are created with good intentions, many will fall by the wayside within weeks of being made. Fortunately, there’s a New Year’s resolution that’s […]
Pittsburgh: A New Year’s Resolution You Can Keep – In 30 Seconds
PITTSBURGH – As 2015 quickly draws to an end, residents throughout Pennsylvania are busy making holiday plans and thinking of resolutions to start the New Year on the right foot. Though these resolutions are created with good intentions, many will fall by the wayside within weeks of being made. Fortunately, there’s a New Year’s resolution […]
Philadelphia Registers More Organ and Tissue Donors than Pittsburgh
December 22, 2015
Philly wins bragging rights in competition that could benefit up to 3,150 people.
Pittsburgh Calls Out Philly in Support of Organ Donation
November 24, 2015
A billboard was unveiled Monday along I-95 near Lincoln Financial Field and the Wells Fargo Center in support of organ donation in Pennsylvania. It is sponsored by Donate Life Pennsylvania and is part of a call for Philadelphians to outshine Pittsburgh by encouraging fans to register as organ donors.
Philly Calls Out Pittsburgh in Support of Organ Donation
A billboard was unveiled Monday along Route 65 near Heinz Field in support of organ donation in Pennsylvania. It is sponsored by Donate Life Pennsylvania and is part of a call for Pittsburghers to outshine Philly by encouraging fans to register as organ donors.
New Statewide Survey Suggests Procrastination is Biggest Challenge in Organ Donor Crisis
February 14, 2014
HARRISBURG (February 14, 2014) – In today’s world of declining attention spans, 30 seconds can seem like a long time. But when lives are at stake, is 30 seconds still too much? According to a recent survey by Donate Life Pennsylvania, that may be the case for those not registered as an organ and tissue […]
Pennsylvania’s Physician General Dispels Common Organ Donor Myth In New Public Service Message
September 23, 2013
Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Carrie DeLone has joined with Donate Life Pennsylvania’s new “30 Seconds” campaign to dispel one of the leading myths about organ and tissue donation. In her new 30-second video message, which is now featured online at DonateLifePA.org, Dr. DeLone rejects the myth that paramedics and doctors will not do everything possible to save […]
Pennsylvanians Call On Fellow Citizens To Take ‘30 Seconds’ To Save Lives In New Emotional Appeal
May 9, 2013
HARRISBURG (May 9) – During an emotional State Capitol news conference, Pennsylvanians who are awaiting a life-saving organ transplant, who are alive today thanks to receiving a transplant or who’s loved one has given the gift of life, helped launch a new statewide effort to dramatically increase the number of registered organ and tissue donors […]
PennDOT Highlights New Organ Donation Initiative for National Donor Day
February 13, 2013
As part of tomorrow’s recognition as National Donor Day, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced a new initiative at several driver’s license centers across Pennsylvania educating Pennsylvanians on organ and tissue donation. Video monitors are installed or being installed at 20 driver’s license centers featuring a video with the facts and benefits of […]
Donate Life-PA Urges Pennsylvanians to Give the ‘Gift of Life’ this Holiday Season
December 18, 2012
Donate Life Pennsylvania (Donate Life-PA), a partnership of the state's two organ procurement organizations and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, encourages Pennsylvanians to give the most precious gift a person can give – the gift of life – this holiday season by registering to be an organ and tissue donor.
Dontate Life Pennsylvania Brings Nationwide Street Ball Tournament to Harrisburg to Raise Awareness
May 16, 2012
Donate Life Pennsylvania, a partnership of the state’s two organ procurement organizations and the Pa. Department of Health, presents the AND1 LIVE! Streetball Tour in four Pennsylvania cities. The AND1 LIVE! Tour will take place on Friday, May 18 from 6 – 9 p.m. in Harrisburg High School’s Kimber Gymnasium, located at 2451 Market St. […]
Don’t Be Fooled by the Organ Donor Myths!
April 1, 2012
April is ‘National Donate Life Month; Register to Become a Donor Today This Sunday is April Fools’ Day, and the state’s two organ procurement organizations – Gift of Life Donor Program and the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) – are imploring Pennsylvanians who are not yet registered organ and tissue donors to disregard […]
Dontate Life Pennsylvania Launches 2012 Organ Donor Campaign
February 13, 2012
Donate Life Pennsylvania, a partnership of the state’s two organ procurement organizations, today announced details of its 2012 organ donor campaign – a targeted effort to increase the number of registered donors in the state and across the nation. The announcement was made on the eve of National Organ Donor Day, February 14. A component […]
