Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you for visiting my fundraiser page. Donate Life's mission is to increase the number of donated organs, eyes, and tissues available to save and heal lives through transplantation. Additionally, Donate Life seeks to develop a culture where donation is embraced as a fundamental human responsibility.

I was first introduced to Donate Life by my Abuelo. The truth is that I may not have met my Abuelo if it weren’t for the efforts made by this organization. My Abuelo had a rare chronic disease that damaged his liver over many years. Before I was born, he had a liver transplant. He needed a new liver for several years, but, because organs are so difficult to obtain in the United States, it wasn’t until he was close to dying that he was able to receive one.

Through my research, I have learned that receiving organs is much easier in other countries than in the US. The primary reason for this is that, in the US, you need to “opt-in” to be a donor whereas in many other countries it is the other way around–you need to “opt-out” of being a donor. In fact, my Abuelo almost flew back to Argentina to receive his transplant as organs are more readily available there. From what I have heard, it was a very scary and difficult time for my family.

I am grateful to Donate Life because had my Abuelo not received a new liver, I never would have had the chance to know him. My Abuelo lived for almost 10 more years as a result of his new liver. Sadly, my Abuelo died due to complications related to the chronic liver disease, which damaged his second liver. Had it been easier to receive another new liver, he may still be with us today. 

My Abuelo knew how to give back. When he was alive, he worked tirelessly as a volunteer for Donate Life, particularly with underserved, Spanish-speaking communities. He made it his mission to support the organization that helped him so much. In his honor, I have chosen to support Donate Life for my mitzvah project. 

In addition to volunteering for Donate Life as an Ambassador, I have created this fundraising page. My goal is to help support Donate Life in changing the national organ donation policy from “opt-in” to “opt-out” and raising awareness about the importance of being a donor.

Thank you for your support!

XOXO,

Emma