Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network

06/04/2026

A selfless donor hero gave Shane Pitts a second chance at life. This is the power of organ donation and transplantation.

Learn more at www.passlifeon.org.

University of Rochester Medicine

Shane Pitts received UR Medicine's 400th heart transplant in the 25 years since the program began. 14 days after the surgery, he said, “I feel better today than I’ve felt in the last six years."

Full story: https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/health/ur-medicine-marks-400-heart-transplants-in-25-years/

05/31/2026

In closing out the month of May, here's an inspiring story of a 100-year-old Army veteran who became the oldest organ donor in the United States.

Visit www.passlifeon.org to learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation to make an informed decision about your end-of-life wishes.

05/01/2026

Sending our thanks to Talon's mom, Crystal, for sharing her son's Gift of Life story and what it means to her knowing he's a donor hero.

We're humbled each and every day by families who turn their own tragedy into hope for others. This is the power of organ, eye and tissue donation.

For more information about donation and to register as a donor visit: www.passlifeon.org

More than 8,000 people in New York State are on the waiting list for an organ transplant. Last year at Strong Hospital, about 250 people donated life, one of those donors was 17-year-old Talon Gracioso

04/30/2026

Series: Celebrating National Donate Life Month Across Our Region
Today's Spotlight: Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic

One thing is for sure: there's no shortage of creativity at Clifton Springs Hospital. Check out their "Chalk the Walk"! The best part? The artists included "Donate Life" in various languages, including German (lower left), French (lower right) and Catalan (middle right). Great job / goot ge-macht / bravo / bona feina, Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic! 💚💙

04/30/2026

The most special way to close out is with Association of Organ Procurement Organizations - AOPO's beautiful Donor Remembrance Day tribute. Lives are saved, vision restored and bodies healed because of the selfless heroes who choose to pass life on through organ, eye, and tissue donation.

If you're a donor family and wish to participate, it's not too late. The dedication submission form will remain open until May 8, 2026, and the virtual garden will be available year-round for families to view.

𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 #𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗗𝗮𝘆!

Join us as we come together to honor and celebrate Donor Heroes who have given the gift of life through organ, eye, and tissue donation. The forget-me-not flower is a symbol of donors and a reminder that their selfless gift and legacy will always be remembered.

Visit the Donor Hero Remembrance Garden and “plant” a forget-me-not flower for your Donor Hero today 💙💚 Those who submit a tribute will also receive forget-me-not seeds by mail to plant in their hero’s honor.

🌼 https://aopo.org/donor-remembrance-day

04/29/2026

Series: Celebrating National Donate Life Month Across Our Region
Today's Spotlight: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder, the Madison County Clerk's Office and Oneida County Clerk

Today, we want to express our deepest gratitude to New York State DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder for his incredible support of Donate Life New York State and the lifesaving mission of organ, eye, and tissue donation. This message feels especially meaningful today, as tomorrow marks Commissioner Schroeder’s last day before his retirement.

We had the honor of seeing Commissioner Schroeder at a event at the Utica DMV in Oneida County earlier this month. The top photo shows those on hand for the special gathering (L to R): Senator Joseph A. Griffo, Michael Keville (Madison County Clerk), Kellie Martin (Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network), Mary Finegan (Oneida County Clerk) and Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. Second photo (L to R): Sam Talarico (First Deputy of Oneida County DMV), Kellie Martin (FLDRN), Mary Finegan (Oneida County Clerk), and Cathy Sharkey (Oneida County DMV).

On behalf of everyone at Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, thank you, Commissioner Schroeder, for your leadership, your commitment, and your partnership in helping to save and improve lives across New York State and even beyond its borders. We wish you a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement!

04/29/2026

Series: Celebrating National Donate Life Month Across Our Region
Today's Spotlight: Crouse Health

It's "Wellness Wednesday" at Crouse Health and we're so grateful to have taken part in this event throughout the month of April for . Thank you for helping to bring awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation!

04/29/2026

Series: Celebrating National Donate Life Month Across Our Region
Today's Spotlight: Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic and Newark-Wayne Community Hospital

To say these two Rochester Regional Health hospitals have taken to the next level is an understatement! From rock painting, to contests, and so much in between, Clifton Springs and Newark Wayne hospitals have once again shown their outstanding community spirit and dedication to the Donate Life mission. We can't thank the teams enough for their support!

04/28/2026

Series: Celebrating National Donate Life Month Across Our Region
Today's Spotlight: Rome Health

Shout out to Rome Hospital for their participation in . We had a wonderful time talking with staff and visitors. Plus, it's always fun when a fabulous volunteer, like Loren, joins us! Pictured here is Loren with Kellie, one of our Hospital and Community Development Specialists.