Saving Lives Together

The DMV Recognition Program honors the incredible efforts of DMV staff who go above and beyond in supporting organ, eye, and tissue donation.

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.

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!

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