Let Life Sing: Honoring National Donate Life Month

Sierra View Medical Center (SVMC), in partnership with Donor Network West, proudly kicked off National Donate Life Month with a flag-raising ceremony held in front of the hospital this morning. The annual event serves as a symbol of hope for the more than 100,000 people in the United States currently waiting for life-saving organ transplants—including those right here in our community.

This year’s Donate Life theme, “Let Life Sing,” celebrates the renewed hope and second chances made possible through organ, eye, and tissue donation. The Donate Life flag raised at Sierra View is a meaningful reminder of the powerful impact one person can have—saving up to eight lives, restoring sight to two people, and healing more than 75 others through tissue donation.

The ceremony featured guest speakers Andrea, Donation Program Consultant with Donor Network West, and Jennifer, a local kidney recipient who shared her personal story of receiving the gift of life through organ donation. Donor Network West is a nonprofit organization that helps coordinate organ and tissue donation across Northern California and Northern Nevada. They work with hospitals and families to honor the wishes of donors and help save and heal lives through donation.

“Jennifer’s story is a powerful reminder of how organ donation can truly change lives,” said Donna Hefner, President and CEO of Sierra View Medical Center. “We are grateful to Andrea and Jennifer for being with us today and for helping us raise awareness about the importance of donation in our community.”

As part of Sierra View’s efforts to raise awareness this April, the hospital has set a goal to inspire 25 new organ, eye, and tissue donor registrations. Community members are encouraged to take time this month to learn more about organ donation, have thoughtful conversations with loved ones, and reflect on the impact one choice can make. If you feel inspired to take the next step, you can check your registration status or sign up at RegisterMe.org.

In addition, Sierra View invites the community to participate in National Blue & Green Day on Friday, April 11, by wearing blue and green—the official colors of Donate Life—to show support and help spark important conversations about organ donation.

Let’s keep the message of Donate Life Month going—because when we give hope, we Let Life Sing!