One Vision to Save Lives

More than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. People from every race, ethnicity, and culture are represented on the national transplant waiting list, and many patients have a better chance of finding a compatible donor when donors come from diverse backgrounds.

This National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month, Tennessee Donor Services (TDS) invites everyone to learn more, talk with their loved ones, and consider joining the organ and tissue donor registry. People of color can help save lives in their communities. A simple ‘yes’ can bring hope and healing to someone in need.

Celebrating Legacy & National Action

National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month was created in 1996 by the National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP) and has grown into a collaborative national effort supported by:

• Donate Life America (DLA)
• Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO)
• American Kidney Fund (AKF)
• Health Resources and Services Administration

Did you know?

Stories of resilience, hope, and advocacy

We are proud to honor the stories of donors, recipients, and donation champions in the multicultural communities whose legacies continue to make a difference.

Meet Dr. Willie Mae Hubbard:

Because of Dr. Hubbard’s new liver, she can retire as a pediatrician on her own terms.

Read Dr. Hubbard’s Story

Spencer Calip – Eye Donor

“Spencer was a mother, daughter, sister, and US Marine. She believed in leaving the earth a bit better than she found it.”– Spencer Calip, donor family member

Adam Cowan – Kidney Recipient

“Organ donors do save lives. Organ donors do make a difference. I’m living proof that it makes a difference. Bottom line – we need to donate for people who look like us.”– Adam Cowan, recipient/ambassador

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Does registering as a donor change my patient care? Your life always comes first. Doctors work hard to save every patient’s life, but sometimes there is a complete and permanent loss of brain function. The patient is declared clinically and legally dead. Only then is donation an option.

• Does donation affect funeral plans? Funeral arrangements of your choice are possible, including a viewing. Through the entire donation process, the body is treated with care and respect, and the donor family is supported throughout the donation process.

• Does my religion support organ, eye and tissue donation? All major religions support donation as a final act of compassion and generosity.

• Does my social and/or financial status play any part in whether or not I will receive an organ if I ever need one? No. A national system matches organs from the donor with people on the waiting list based on blood type, body size, how sick they are, donor distance, tissue type, and time on the list. Race, income, gender, celebrity, and social status are never considered.

Together, we can build stronger, healthier communities by saying “yes” to hope.

Register your decision today at DonatelifeTN.org.