Saving Lives Together

November is National American Indian Heritage Month Celebration!

In alignment with the theme of Tribal sovereignty, we acknowledge the importance of empowering Native communities to make informed choices about organ, eye, and tissue donation. Just as Tribal sovereignty preserves the right of self-governance, the act of donation ensures the continuation of traditions of generosity and care, values deeply rooted in Native cultures. Through partnership and consultation, we aim to honor these traditions while ensuring equitable access to life-saving healthcare.

By understanding and respecting the rich cultural heritage and sovereignty of Native American peoples, we can work toward a more inclusive healthcare system that recognizes and honors their contributions, particularly in the field of donation and transplantation. Join us in celebrating National American Indian Heritage Month by registering to save lives at RegisterMe.org.

We want to take a moment to honor the compassionate, selfless individuals who care for loved ones every day. Your dedication and love make an immeasurable impact, and we’re deeply grateful for the care you provide.

At Cascade Life Alliance, we understand the vital role caregivers play in supporting those waiting for organ transplants. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to the health and well-being of your loved ones. You inspire us all!

#NationalCaregiversMonth #ThankYouCaregivers #OrganDonation #LifeSavingCare #CaregiverAppreciation #CascadeLifeAlliance

Organ donation is so much more than just signing up. Organ donation is about hope, love, selflessness, transformation, and life. In partnership with award-winning filmmaker, Andy Adkins, we are thrilled to launch our newest video project, “Lives Connected: Real Stories of Heroes and Second Chances.” Witness the emotional journey through the eyes of donor families and transplant recipients in this mini documentary. Help us spread awareness about the beautiful impact of organ donation by liking, commenting, and sharing this video. Be a hero. Sign up, save lives.

In collaboration with Fire Starter LLC, Cascade Life Alliance’s Community Outreach Department have finally released their newest video, “Multicultural Organ Donation and Transplantation: How Diverse Donors Save Lives.” This exciting project started as a result of the many conversations we’ve had about racial health disparities in the transplantation system: 60% of the national transplant waitlist are made up of communities of color, yet only 30% of organ donors are from the same communities. So, why register? Your registration could be the reason someone waits less time for a life-saving organ, and has more successful transplant outcomes. Watch the video to learn why! Spread the word about the importance of registering and talking to your family about your wishes. Share it with your teams, community, family, and let’s talk about it.

We are pleased to invite you to join for a Donor Family Holiday Luncheon and Celebration, hosted by Vision Gift, Cascade Life Alliance, and Solvita. The Celebration will be held in Troutdale, Oregon on December 15, 2024. Event is from 12:00pm-3:30pm. Doors open at 11:30am. There will be guest speakers, videos, and remembrance arts & crafts activities. Food and drink will be provided. This will be a time to come together with other donor families to honor your loved ones, as well as celebrate their legacy in giving the gifts of life, sight, and mobility.

Meet Norrine, a local Oregonian who received a double lung transplant in 2016 and is a member of the Washoe Tribe of NV & CA. This is what she has to say about registering to be an organ donor:

“As a registered organ donor, never once did I ever think I’d be the one needing an organ to live. Over a period of 16 years my lung function deteriorated to the point of near death. But thanks to a selfless anonymous donor, I was given new life eight years ago. Not only can a donor save your life one day, you could be the lifeline for somebody else. Register to be an organ donor today.”

Cascade Life Alliance has partnered with SODA: Student Organ Donation Advocates to reach students in our service area. Students who get involved with organ donation advocacy join a network of students from across the country who are mobilizing their peers to make a difference. With guidance from SODA National and our OPO, student leaders advocate for organ donation. Ultimately, this increased awareness results in more organ donor registrations and saves lives.

Organ, eye, and tissue donation is a profoundly unique experience and it is the personal stories shared by donor family members and recipients that give the rest of the world a glimpse at the heroes whose lives have been forever changed by donation.

Would you like to share your story? Use this form to submit your story or contact us with your questions.

The Blossom Pin Award is granted to hospital personnel who go above and beyond in their support of saving lives through organ donation.

T’Neil, a 17-year-old rising high school senior, suffered a brain bleed from which she did not survive. Described by those who loved her as kind hearted, graceful, and often the brightest person in the room. At a young age, T’Neil knew who she was and what she wanted. She was a natural leader in whose presence you felt safe and valued. After all efforts to save T’Neil’s life had been exhausted, T’Neil’s family decided that saying “YES” to the gift of life would be the best way to honor her life and add to her legacy. T’Neil’s gifts saved 6 people, restored sight to 2 others through cornea donation, and helped to heal up to 75 others through tissue donation. T’Neil’s story has inspired many in her community to consider giving the gift of life and register their decision to be organ, eye and tissue donors. 💙💚 #DonateLife

“My ‘Sonshine’, Kenneth “KJ” Rhodes, II, was the embodiment of love, light, and laughter. KJ spent his 29 years of life pouring into others and making EVERYONE feel like they were uniquely his best friend. He was carving a path for himself that was rooted in social justice, with particular desire to target his efforts toward making the future brighter for our children and youth – especially, young black males. I am proud to say he shared my gift of a poetic voice and had begun creating some powerful music with profound lyrics. He was kind, encouraging, never met a stranger, and was selfless to the core. His smile was his trademark. Upon his passing, many noted and stated that the only thing bigger than his smile was his heart. Indeed, it was and is now part of a precious gift and mighty legacy he leaves behind.” #DonateLife #NMDAM2023

Congratulations to A Donation Conversation-a documentary for winning Best Picture!

Alin was a resident doctor, getting ready for her big move to New York. Suddenly, she was diagnosed with heart failure, and everything changed. Thanks to Lucy, her organ donor hero, Alin was able to live on, and give others a second chance at life.

At Cascade Life Alliance, we are striving, along with AOPO members across the country, to achieve 50,000 transplants in 2026.