Press Releases

View recent news about Donate Life Pennsylvania:


Dylan Contreras

September 12, 2023

Dylan found new life through photography after battling kidney disease. He now shares his story to inspire organ donation.

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Celeste Brown

August 18, 2023

Celeste received her life-saving transplant and is now an advocate for the power of organ donation. 

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Diane Anderson

August 7, 2023

These days, Diane Anderson, a double-lung transplant recipient, is on the move.

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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.

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Rosie Hershberger

July 19, 2023

Donor mother wants you to know that anyone can register as an organ donor

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Debra White Roberts

July 13, 2023

A Mother’s Mission in Advocating for Organ Donation in Communities of Color

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Jennifer Ovechka

July 10, 2023

From breathlessness to running miles, Jennifer Ovechka’s cystic fibrosis journey shines a light on #ChronicDiseaseDay

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Earl Jones

June 15, 2023

Celebrating the #giftoflife as a dad and grandpa, two decades post-heart transplant

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Jennifer Rouse

May 18, 2023

National Women’s Health Week Spotlight: Jennifer Rouse Reclaims Health and Vitality After Liver Transplant

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Katherine Strickland and Anna Fischman

May 12, 2023

Celebrating Post-Transplant Motherhood: Katherine and Anna Meet 35 Years After Infant Surgery

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Jennifer Cassidy

Former nurse spurred by transplant to a second career of kindness

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Jill Dillman-Stull

Nurse’s health scare deepens commitment to encouraging organ and tissue donation

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Margaret Ferguson

April 28, 2023

Husband honors wife’s legacy of service by helping other donor hero families

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Xyla Blackshear

Transplant-listed youngster revels in cooking without being able to eat her creations

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Taylor Dyer

April 26, 2023

Young transplant patients score big in sports, shine at 76ers recognition

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Michael Seidick

April 21, 2023

Lehigh Valley man’s life saved twice by organ donors, giving him a legacy of gratitude

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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.

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Susan Stuart

March 31, 2023

Susan Stuart, president and CEO of CORE, honored with prestigious leadership award

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Allegheny General Hospital

Raising the flag for organ donation

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Cody Barrasse

March 29, 2023

Doctor’s son leaves legacy of hope

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Jan L. Weinstock, Esq.

March 22, 2023

Jan L. Weinstock, Esq.: Leader in Crafting Organ Donation Legislation

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Ryan Shaw

March 17, 2023

Donor hero’s family spreads the love.

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Diana and Mike Natale

March 16, 2023

Kidney transplant recipient keeps it moving at Transplant Games of America.

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Nancy Kaminski

March 14, 2023

Kidney transplant recipient keeps it moving at Transplant Games of America.

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Dannielle Small

March 7, 2023

After seven-year wait for kidney transplant, Dannielle Small builds a full life.

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Victor Wilson

February 28, 2023

Airforce veteran volunteers with support group and CORE after heart transplant.

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Noelle Ciccone

February 24, 2023

Hockey fan celebrates her 21st birthday all thanks to receiving a donor heart valve at the age of 9.

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Althea Fogle

February 21, 2023

Philadelphia woman knows both sides of organ and tissue donation

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Pennsylvania Organ Donations and Transplants 2022

February 17, 2023

Pennsylvania leads in life-saving organ donations and transplants

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Michael Debiase and Lisa Rigione

February 13, 2023

Bangor man unexpectedly passes and donates to save 6 lives in one day.

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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.

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Dennis and Heather Haley

February 10, 2023

Wife was a match to become husband’s living kidney donor.

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Leslie Sorg and Jeffrey Crass

February 8, 2023

A love story born from two heart transplants.

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Matt Millen

February 4, 2023

Bucks County Super Bowl champion receives successful heart transplant.

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Laverne Clark

January 31, 2023

Heart transplant gives Philadelphia woman a second chance at life

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Baylee Carper

January 26, 2023

Donor heart, living donor kidney save sick child’s life.

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Christian Seymour

January 19, 2023

Midstate firefighter walks Donor Dash in full gear to benefit organ donation

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Yolanda White

January 16, 2023

Big heart in Pittsburgh donates kidney and liver to save two people

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Jeff Kalage

January 9, 2023

Retired NYPD officer receives ‘Easter miracle’ through organ donation

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Second Chance Fundraising

December 21, 2022

Heart transplant recipient champions organ donation, recognizes student advocates.

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The Kennedy Family

December 15, 2022

Allentown locals Liz and Dave Kennedy share their personal story on the importance of organ and tissue donation.

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Sean and Patrick Boyle

November 28, 2022

Two Pittsburgh natives receive life-changing news that strengthened their brotherly bond to an anatomical one.

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James McGowan

October 31, 2022

Young boy can now see, thanks to cornea donation

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Pastor Donald Tucker

October 17, 2022

Liver Recipient and Pastor Becomes Strong Advocate For Organ and Tissue Donation

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Heather Leverington-Dotterer

Mother is given second chance at life with double lung transplant

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Ta’Mar Ellensworth

September 30, 2022

Woman Lives Happy and Healthy Life After Double Lung Transplant

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Daymarelys Rodriguez

Heart and Liver Recipient Celebrates 2nd Transplant Anniversary

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Eve Lieberum

September 7, 2022

Newborn Leaves Behind Lasting Legacy Through Organ Donation

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Rafiah Cheeks

September 1, 2022

Liver Recipient Represents Philadelphia in the Transplant Games

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Rickey Colomy

Young Man’s Decision to Become an Organ Donor Saves Two Recipients

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Dr. Thomas Butler, MD MS FACS

August 31, 2022

Dr. Thomas Butler explains the importance of #NationalMinorityDonorAwarenessMonth

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Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew

August 18, 2022

We sat down with Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew to discuss #NMDAM

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Robert Healy III

Sports Media Professor Heading Back to School After Transplant Games

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Quinn Santini

August 1, 2022

Little Girl Now Thriving In Pre-School After Heart Transplant

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Sebastian Plummer

Star Athlete and Caring Mother Continue to Share the Gift of Life

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William “Chip” Crawford

June 29, 2022

Father and Husband Saved After Accident In Iceland

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Luke Ball

Student Athlete Receives Life-Saving Heart Surgery

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Jessica Will

A Hero Saves the Day for Teacher and Mother of Two

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Daniel Snowden

Family man and athlete to compete in the Donate Life Transplant Games thanks to his gift of life

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Melvin Protzman

June 15, 2022

Heart Recipient Becomes a Strong Advocate for Organ Donation In Honor of His Donor

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Curtis Upsher

June 1, 2022

Community leader leaves behind his pioneering legacy through tissue and cornea donation

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Chris Dempsey

Man receives second chance at life thanks to kidney transplant

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Derek Fitzgerald

Man becomes first cancer-surviving heart transplant recipient to complete a full Ironman triathlon, thanks to his organ donor

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Brian Rath

Husband and father of two celebrated his 10-year transplant anniversary by running in this year’s Donor Dash

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Ryan & Heather McNamara

May 24, 2022

A little boy’s gift of life leaves behind lasting legacy

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Nancy Douglass

May 11, 2022

Dedicated therapist receives life-saving transplant, allowing her to continue helping others

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Janet Dennis

May 9, 2022

Inspiring athlete and passionate motivational speaker receives a second chance at life after heart transplant

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Alecia McFadden

A fierce mother gives birth to 3 healthy miracles after a lifetime of being told she never could

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Izzie Christenson

April 28, 2022

A little girl’s fight for her life turned into a legacy

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Amanda Chivington

April 1, 2022

Cornea and tissue donor makes a lasting difference in others’ lives through donation

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Amanda Demchak

March 24, 2022

Kidney Recipient Able to Pursue Her Dreams After Kidney Transplant

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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)

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Diana Bell

Mother receives saving kidney transplants and is able to dance with son at his wedding

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Glenn Turner

Kidney Donation Gives Pro-Boxer A Second Chance At Life

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Dr. Neal Stansbury

February 22, 2022

Competitive cyclist receives a heart transplant within his last few weeks of life

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Alex Anaya

February 17, 2022

Philadelphia Father Donates Heart, Leaves Behind Heroic Legacy

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Ron Gooden

February 7, 2022

Football coach continues his dreams with a second chance at life.

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Lukeman Harvey

January 21, 2022

Paired kidney exchange enables a young couple to give and receive the gift of life.

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Laurie and Alan Grady

Renfrew Parents Honor Their Son for Organ Donation

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Vicki Piccotti

Woman and her husband each receive life-altering transplants

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Randolph Rahming

Philadelphia Man Lives Healthy Life after Heart Transplant

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Chance Dull

Young Man Has a New Appreciation for Life Decade after Liver Transplant

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Jameson McKain

Boy receives life-altering heart transplant at 11-months old

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John Standard

Husband reflects on his wife’s gift of life to others.

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Diane Milbourne

Donor wife meets husband’s kidney recipient after 20 years.

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Luis Palau, Jr.

Father of two gets second chance at life.

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Lauren Gydosh

December 17, 2021

Young woman offers her friend a second chance at life through organ donation

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Jade Moeller

December 3, 2021

Newborn receives lifesaving kidney donation from her mother

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Diana Natale

Inspired by the gift of life, wife of recipient becomes a donor herself

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Bruce Edwards

November 11, 2021

Cornea Recipient and Donor Father Advocates for Organ Donation Awareness

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Andy Koehle

October 29, 2021

Young veteran continues his service by giving others the gift of life

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Rockland Harvey

September 27, 2021

Young boy receives gift of sight through cornea transplant

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Abudl-Kareem Salahuddin

Man receives life-saving liver transplant and makes a lifelong friend

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Shelly Gearheart-Labash

September 13, 2021

DMV Appreciation.

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Susan McVey-Dillon

August 24, 2021

Donor mom becomes advocate for others

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Eli Bussotti

Young man’s legacy lives on in his gift of life

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Nico Salvio

July 27, 2021

Young boy receives life-saving heart transplant.

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Keith Bubba Wagner

Young boy receives life-saving kidney transplant.

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Sophie Dernar

June 22, 2021

Donor family meets young boy saved by daughter’s heart.

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Zach Reesey

Heart recipient’s family celebrates the gift of life to 4-year-old son.

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Paul Sciullo

Donor’s legacy lives on in his gift to others.

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Amy Hill

May 24, 2021

Husband Inspires Wife to Say Yes to Organ Donation.

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Dr. Herman Jones

Waiting for a Kidney Transplant, Patient Urges Others to Give.

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Kelly Schmitt & Rok Hyon

Living Kidney Donor’s Mother Inspired Her to Give the Gift of Life.

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Cheryl Eshenour

Mother of Organ Donor; Advocates for Grieving Families.

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Ervin Miller

May 4, 2021

Passionate educator and kidney transplant recipient returns to help local students.

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Amanda Washek

Liver transplant recipient celebrated her first Mother’s Day.

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Rosie Vargas

March 29, 2021

Bright light shines on for children’s transplant patient named 2020 CMNH Champion.

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Bud Mitchell & Rachelle Jeffers

Living-donor liver transplant a miracle for recipient.

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John Branton

Liver transplant recipient turned Gift of Life volunteer.

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Cynthia London

A voice for those who are waiting.

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Ines Brady

A husband’s memory lives on in the many lives he saved.

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Jackie Kelble

February 24, 2021

Mother of two finds comfort in husband’s life-saving legacy.

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Ramona Howard

February 5, 2021

Philadelphia woman gets her life back after four life-saving organ transplants.

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Craig Smith

Heart transplant recipient helps to raise organ donation awareness.

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Anna Oldham

Through donation, a mother remembers her son for his selfless legacy.

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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.

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Brenda Tate

To save the life of her brother, Brenda started a kidney chain that included eight donors and eight lives saved.

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Faith and Julie Kilkeary

Born with a severe heart defect, Faith and her mother share her journey to a life-saving heart transplant.

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Zachary Zozula and Jackie Bartlett

January 11, 2021

From friends to sharing an inseparable bond, Zachary and Jackie share their story.

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Arlinda Griffith and Mary Smith

January 4, 2021

Two strangers are now best friends thanks to a shared connection.

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Vicky Keene

Lung recipient Vicky recalls her daily struggles waiting for a transplant and the second chance she was given.

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Quinn Santini

At just 2 weeks old, Quinn was put on the transplant waiting list to receive a new heart.

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Brian Zionts-Bernstein

Diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Brian shares his journey to his double-lung transplant.

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2021 PA Donor Day

December 9, 2020

Pennsylvania’s second annual PA Donor Day encourages Pennsylvanians to register as organ and tissue donors.

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Austin Flores

November 2, 2020

Man leaves behind lasting legacy, encouraging friends and family to learn more about organ and tissue donation

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Colleen Higbee

7,000 Pennsylvanians are waiting for their second chance at life. Meet one of those patients, Colleen.

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Wayne Meyers

Wayne, a heart transplant recipient, and his wife celebrate 16+ years since his gift of life by giving back.

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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 […]

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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 […]

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2018 Donate Life Month Proclamation

April 1, 2018

Official proclamation from PA Governor Tom Wolf Download Official Proclamation from PA Governor Tom Wolf

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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. […]

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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 […]

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2017 Donate Life Month Proclamation

March 31, 2017

Click below to view the Official Proclamation from PA Governor Tom Wolf.

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Pittsburgh Donor Family, Transplant Recipients Join Together to Give Thanks

November 22, 2016

Family gives thanks with the recipients of son's lifesaving gifts.

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Philadelphia Donor Family, Transplant Recipients Meet and Celebrate Thanksgiving

November 21, 2016

Donor family & recipients break bread and share thankful thoughts.

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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.

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Donate Life Month Proclamation

March 31, 2016

Click below to view the Official Proclamation from PA Governor Tom Wolf.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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.

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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. […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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