Join us to show our gratitude for our partners at the DMV and to launch “Check the Box” in the offices.
As part of a refreshed brand, Donor Alliance has introduced a new visual identity with these DMV materials, anchored in the phrase “Rocky Mountain Strong.” Bigger than a tagline, Rocky Mountain Strong reflects the strength, compassion, and resilience of the Colorado and Wyoming communities that make life-saving organ, eye, and tissue donation possible. With an earthy palette and grounded imagery inspired by the region, this brand refresh conveys warmth, trust, and connection, elevating Donor Alliance’s mission to save and heal lives while honoring the people and partnerships that power it.
Words are powerful. How certain words or terms are used can have a significant impact, especially when it comes to organ, eye and tissue donation. Language shapes how we view organ, eye and tissue donation. It helps correct myths and honors those who give the gift of life.
The list below provides guidelines around which organ donation terms to avoid and the most appropriate terminology to use instead. Avoiding certain terms and phrases can both reduce concern among donor families and help to increase public understanding and acceptance of the donation process.
Use the terms Recover or Procure instead of Harvest, and Donated Organs and Tissues instead of Body Parts
Some organ donation terms are used in medicine but can feel disrespectful to donor families. Words like “harvest” can sound cold or dehumanizing. Instead, use “recover,” “procure,” or “donated organs and tissues.” These terms show that donation is handled with care and respect for every donor and family.
Deceased Donor or Deceased Donation instead of Cadaver or Cadaveric Donation
Similar to the terms above, while “cadaver” has long been accepted medically, it is important to use terminology that is considerate of donor families and conveys to the public the respect and care that donors are treated with throughout the entire process. Additionally, while there didn’t used to be a need to make a distinction between living and deceased donation, more and more people are making the life-saving decision to become a living donor. Using the terms “deceased donor” and “deceased donation” help to make a clear distinction between living and deceased donors.
Ventilator Support or Mechanical Support instead of Life Support
Death can happen in two ways: cardiac death, when the heart stops beating, and brain death, the irreversible loss of all brain function. The term “life support” can be confusing, especially in cases of brain death. Brain death is final, it’s not a coma or vegetative state. No form of support can reverse it. When brain death is declared, organ, eye and tissue donation may still be possible. In these cases, “mechanical support” keeps blood and oxygen flowing to preserve organs and tissues for donation.
Donation is a Decision not a Wish
Signing up as an organ, eye and tissue donor is a first-person authorized decision. It means you’ve chosen to donate at the time of your death. Using the word “wish” instead of “decision” can make it sound like your choice isn’t final. But your decision to be a donor cannot be changed by your family. That’s why it’s so important to share your decision and talk with your loved ones about helping others through donation.
Learn more and sign up to become a donor anytime online at Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming.
Eleven years ago, Amy was balancing life as a busy mom of three when she got news that would change everything: a breast cancer diagnosis. After a bilateral mastectomy, she had reconstructive surgery that used donated tissue, a gift that played a big part in her recovery.
As a longtime nurse, Amy shared she had some knowledge on the organ and tissue donation process. But becoming a recipient herself gave her a whole new perspective. She realized that donation isn’t only about lifesaving organ transplants, it can also mean restoring health, confidence, and hope through tissue.
Her experience deepened her gratitude and strengthened her passion for helping others. Over the years, Amy has witnessed the many sides of donation. She saw patients waiting for transplants, families making the decision to give, and recipients whose lives were forever changed. Now, she carries that understanding into both her work and her everyday life. Amy shared that her experience has given her a deeper understanding of gratitude each day. “I wake up every morning and that’s one of my first thoughts every morning. just being grateful I’m here with my daughters,” Amy shared. Her journey has inspired her to live a life full of love and purpose, and to encourage others to consider the lifesaving and healing impact of organ, eye and tissue donation.
Students, professionals and caregivers are invited to Gillette College Tech Center to learn about end of life preparation, grieving, and self care from professionals including a 1:00pm presentation by Gary Lohgry, Regional Donation Consultant for Donor Alliance, on the impact of saving and healing lives through organ, eye & tissue donation.
When Allison Vogel’s son Tanner received his driver’s permit, he made a simple decision that would go on to change countless lives. He registered as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Tanner’s choice became his lasting legacy, bringing hope and healing to more than 120 people. Tanner was a lifelong baseball fan with an unshakable love for the Colorado Rockies, a passion that began with a plastic bat at age two and grew through years of Little League, college ball, and coaching. His joy for life, kindness, and generosity continue to shine through those he helped.
For Allison, sharing Tanner’s story and meeting one of his kidney recipients has brought comfort and connection through her grief. “It’s helped with the grief,” Allison shared. “To see the lives Tanner touched, to know he’s a hero to so many, it means everything.”
In May of 2025, Allison took the pitcher’s mound at Coors Field to honor her son, a tribute to Tanner’s love of baseball and the legacy of hope he left behind. “I know he would be proud of me,” Allison reflected.
