In a heartfelt tribute to organ, eye, and tissue donors, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and Donate Life America (DLA) are set to host the annual National Tree of Life virtual event on December 16 at 6:30 p.m. ET. This ceremony aims to honor the memory of donors who gave the gift of life in 2024 and celebrate the thousands of lives they saved through their selfless acts.
The event, which will be live-streamed on Donate Life America’s Facebook page, serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of organ donation on individuals, families, and communities across the nation. It brings together members of the organ donation and transplant community to reflect on the legacy of more than 20,000 organ donors and tens of thousands of cornea and tissue donors from the past year.
During the ceremony, volunteers with personal connections to donation and transplantation will honor donors from each state by hanging ornaments on the trees of life and lighting candles of remembrance. This symbolic gesture underscores the nationwide reach of organ donation and its ability to touch lives in every corner of the country.
The event will feature compelling stories from individuals whose lives have been transformed by organ donation. Speakers include Jan Flanders, a tissue recipient and family member of an organ donor; Sam Dey, a heart recipient; and Samuel and Susan Kirton, a double lung recipient and caregiver. Their testimonies will provide firsthand accounts of the life-changing impact of organ donation and transplantation.
A highlight of this year’s ceremony will be the announcement of the winner of the annual Lisa Schaffner Community Advocate Award. This award recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond in promoting organ donation, carrying on the legacy of Lisa Schaffner, a former UNOS employee and passionate advocate for donation and transplantation who passed away in 2021.
Maureen McBride, Ph.D., CEO of UNOS, emphasized the emotional significance of the event, stating, ‘The Tree of Life event is a moving reminder of the tremendous loss, bravery and joy that organ donation and transplant bring, and the ripple effect it has on each of us. We are thankful for those who have given the gift of life and for their courageous families.’
David Fleming, DLA president and CEO, added, ‘As we honor donors and donor families from this year during the National Tree of Life ceremony, we also recognize and celebrate the enduring legacy of lifesaving generosity of all donors and donor families who have given the gift of life in past years. We hope the Tree of Life ceremony helps provide community and solace.’
The National Tree of Life event serves as a crucial platform for raising awareness about the ongoing need for organ, eye, and tissue donation. It highlights the critical role that donors play in saving and improving lives, while also providing a space for healing and remembrance for donor families.
As the demand for organ transplants continues to outpace the supply of available organs, events like the National Tree of Life are vital in encouraging more individuals to register as donors. By showcasing the profound impact of donation, the ceremony aims to inspire others to consider giving the gift of life.
The virtual nature of the event allows for widespread participation, enabling people from across the country to join in honoring donors and their families. This inclusive approach helps to foster a sense of national community around the cause of organ donation and transplantation.
For those interested in learning more about organ, eye, and tissue donation or registering as a donor, information is available at
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