Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network

09/09/2026

Thank you, Scott Hetsko, for taking the time to visit our Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network office and share your incredible transplant journey with our staff.

While many know you as the well-known and popular 13 WHAM ABC Chief Meteorologist whose forecasts we all rely on, today you spoke to us as a husband and father who nearly lost his life - and who is alive today because of a life-saving heart transplant. Your openness and gratitude for your donor hero, Shawn, touched every one of us. You reminded us of the profound power of organ donation and the vital role Organ Procurement Organizations like Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network play as the bridge between the generous individuals and families who choose to give the gift of life, and those waiting for a second chance.

We are so grateful you shared your story with us. Moments like these reconnect us to our purpose and inspire us every day. Thank you, Scott!

Watch Scott's story here: https://youtu.be/bTeWlK_QMyI?si=8IRzEuUb355StSP7 and register to at www.passlifeon.org
University of Rochester Medicine Shawn's Heroes For Life

It was my pleasure to talk to the staff at Finger Lakes Donor Network this morning. The work they do, bringing donor families and donors together is so important in life-saving.

08/15/2026

It’s always special joining Scott Hetsko at his donor drive. Visit out website at www.passlifeon.org for more info and to sign up to .

08/13/2026

There's still time to sign up. Hope to see you there this Saturday!

08/03/2026

Scott Hetsko's Annual Donor Drive is August 15th - an event we look forward to each year in honoring Shawn J. McMullen, the selfless donor hero who saved Scott's life in 2015 through a heart transplant. We hope you'll join us at the Henrietta Recreation Center to help save lives by donating blood and registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor.

Please use the QR code below to book your blood donation appointment in advance.

This year's donor drive comes at a crucial time when "The Heat is On" to find blood donors. The American Red Cross of Western New York reports there's a CRITICAL NEED for blood donors and an emergency blood shortage!

Your donation is essential to keep lifesaving treatments going for patients who can’t wait. The Red Cross will say thanks with a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email when you come give Aug. 1-31.
Terms: rcblood.org/August.

Special thanks to Shawn's Heroes For Life who does so much great work in Shawn's memory for Veterans in-need and organ donation. 💚☘💙

07/25/2026

Beat the heat with a cool treat! Stop out at the 7th Annual Ice Cream Social in memory of donor hero Katherine Vollmer. We hope to see you there!

07/01/2026

The donation community has lost a vibrant, young champion, and we will forever be grateful for her passion and grace. ❤️💚💙

We sadly lost one of our community’s greatest, most influential champions with the passing of Lauren Shields, at age 26, on June 26, 2026. Through her courageous, tireless legislative advocacy efforts, with her mother Jeanne often at her side, the young heart transplant recipient inspired a pioneering law that bears her name. See the link below in the comments.

06/29/2026

We had an absolute BLAST partnering with Clayton Williams at Watkins Glen this weekend! 🏎️💨

Clayton has been racing full throttle for the mission for years because his mom is a two-time organ transplant organ transplant, recipient. Every lap was powered by gratitude, purpose, and the incredible impact of organ eye, and tissue donation.

It was so much fun having Clayton Williams Racing right here in our backyard. A huge shout out to Clayton for flooding Instagram with awesome messages about donation and donor registration!

Thank you, Clayton - you rocked the Glen and the Donate Life mission! We can’t wait to see you back soon!

Are you revved up to join the donor registry? Visit www.passlifeon.org to sign up in about the time it takes to make a lap at Watkins Glen International. FAST!

06/29/2026

To every donor family who has walked this road: Your grief is real. Your gift is immeasurable. Saying yes doesn't make it easy -- but it makes it meaningful. Thank you for giving hope where there was heartbreak.

06/26/2026

How cool is this? Proud to see our Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network logo flying around Watkins Glen International this weekend!

Big thanks to Clayton Williams and Clayton Williams Racing for carrying our mission onto the track at the IMSA Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen!

Every lap helps spread the message: One donor hero can save up to 8 lives. Register your decision to save lives at www.passlifeon.org.

Let’s go Clayton!

06/26/2026

🏎️🏁We couldn't be more excited to partner with Clayton Williams Racing at Watkins Glen International this weekend for the Weathertech Sports Car Championship!

Clayton's mother received two life-saving organ transplants, and together we’re racing to honor donor heroes and inspire more people to join the donor registry.

Every lap Clayton takes - with our Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network logo proudly displayed on his car - is a tribute to donors and families who choose to .

And with this partnership, every registration strengthens our community.

Join us and Clayton Williams Racing as we race for the Gift of Life! Learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation at www.passlifeon.org

Let’s go, Clayton!