Recent Media Coverage
Consider the Gift of Life – Torrington Telegram – Torrington, WY
February 15, 2021
National Donor Day is observed every year on the same day as Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Though Valentine’s Day and National Donor Day have already passed, the need for organ donors remains. In Wyoming alone, there are nearly 150 people awaiting a life-saving donation.
National Donor Day Takes on New Meaning for Fruita Family – KKCO – Grand Junction, CO
February 14, 2021
National Donor Day is observed every year on February 14th, helping spread awareness about organ and tissue donations. Five-year-old Carter Seely of Fruita was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Carter has had three open heart surgeries since birth, and has struggled with vocal chord paralysis, as well as suffering a stroke.
Mother’s Loss Gives Others Chance at Life Through Organ Donation – KUSA – Denver, CO
February 12, 2021
Kody Gillespie was 31 when he died. He was an organ donor and since his death in 2018, his mother has become an advocate for life.
Rose Parade to Celebrate Life and Legacy of Colorado Organ Donor – KDVR – Denver, CO
December 31, 2020
The Rose Parade is a New Year’s Day tradition that dates back to 1891. It will look different this year because of the pandemic, but the parade will continue to highlight important causes. That includes celebrating the life and legacy of a Coloradan, Jake Thompson.
‘Now I Have A Piece of Him Forever’: Woman’s New Knee From Unlikely Donor – 9News KUSA – Denver, CO
December 20, 2020
Mary Parker has written many notes of thanks in her 51 years. Two of those notes were sent to strangers – families of the people who become organ and tissue donors. Thanks to them, she has been able to have two knee replacements. Just last month, however, Parker had a third surgery. But this time there was no note because she knew her donor.
Casper Organ Donor to be Featured on Rose Parade Float – Wyoming News Now – Casper, WY
November 2, 2020
Sam Weaver passed away due to surgery complications in 2018, but his organ and tissue donations helped save the lives of many others. Donor Alliance, an organ and tissue donation non-profit organization, decided to honor Weaver by including his portrait on their Rose Parade float this year.
Don’t Forget Coloradans Like Me Impacted by Other Public Health Crises, Even Amidst COVID-19 – YourHub – Denver, CO
October 15, 2020
In February, as Coloradans and people around the world grew more anxious over contracting COVID-19, my wait for a lifesaving transplant continued. And amidst the global pandemic crisis, I was incredibly fortunate to receive good news in March when a heart and a kidney became available for me and the transplants saved my life. A true miracle amidst these dark days.
Donor Dash to Hold Car Parade at Wash Park Instead of 5K to Raise Awareness for Organ Transplantation – KDVR – Denver, CO
July 17, 2020
Coloradans are coming together for a great cause. Thousands of people are expected to gather at Denver’s Washington Park for a car parade on Saturday, July 18 for the annual Donor Dash. Organizers of the event, now in its 21st year, say its purpose is “to honor and celebrate organ, eye and tissue donors, candidates and recipients.”
Donor Dash Goes Virtual for 2020 – KCNC – Denver, CO
July 6, 2020
With safety in mind, the 21st annual Donor Dash is going virtual. The Donor Alliance holds the event every year to honor and celebrate the lives of organ and tissue donors, their recipients and recognize those who continue to wait for a lifesaving transplant. This year there will be numerous physically distanced activities as part of the Donor Dash leading up to the 5K event on July 19.
Wyoming Ranks Among The Top For Residents Signed Up For Organ Donation – Wyoming Public Media – Laramie, WY
May 1, 2020
National Donate Life Month just wrapped up. Every April, advocates celebrate and recognize organ, eye and tissue donation, something that anyone can sign up to do at the time of their death. Wyoming Public Radio’s Catherine Wheeler spoke with Donor Alliance’s Wyoming Community Relations Coordinator Ryea’ O’Neill.
Following Double-lung Transplant, Hansen Connects with His Donor’s Family – Powell Tribune – Powell,WY
April 30, 2020
As Don Hansen took his first breaths with new lungs, he knew a family was grieving a loved one who had taken his last. Over the past year, the longtime Powell resident has learned more about his organ donor and the young man’s family. Benny Laffitte of Douglass, Kansas, died Dec. 9, 2018, following an accident. The 20-year-old helped dozens of others — including Hansen, who received Laffitte’s lungs in a transplant surgery in Colorado.
Heart Transplant Recipient Talks About How He Managed A 185-day Pre-surgery Quarantine – KDVR – Denver, CO
April 20, 2020
Staying at home for a few weeks is making many of us feel anxious, so it’s hard to imagine being quarantined in a hospital for 185 days. But that’s what happened to Rob Fettner. The Aurora man was diagnosed with heart failure at age 21. He had his first heart transplant in 2011, but had complications and needed another one. That meant a long term quarantine.