It’s National Nurses Week! 

National Nurses Week, an observance held from May 6 to May 12 each year, recognizes the profound impact nurses have made, especially most recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the midst of uncertainty, nurses have shown to be unwavering beacons of compassion. They’re often the solitary faces of comfort in hospitals when we need it most. Their dedication knows no bounds, working 12-hour shifts and shouldering tasks that may seem insurmountable to many. From the frontlines of patient care in hospitals to the vital role they play in preventive healthcare within doctors’ offices, nurses epitomize the essence of selflessness and care.

Showing Support for Transplant Nurses & Donor Caregivers

Nurses play a big role in the organ and tissue donation process. From providing support to helping families navigate the complexities of organ and tissue donation, their expertise helps Donor Alliance honor a person’s decision to give the gift of life.

Nurses’ tireless efforts also helps Donor Alliance ensure a person’s lifesaving and healing gifts are received by transplant centers and tissue processors in a safe and timely manner. 

To all nurses, Donor Alliance extends its heartfelt gratitude for honoring the gift of life each day. Without their partnership, Donor Alliance would not be able to facilitate organ and tissue donation for transplantation in Colorado and most of Wyoming.

There are also other unsung heroes—the caregivers. They provide steadfast support to transplant recipients and living donors. They offer solace, advocacy, and love throughout the journey of donation and transplantation. Their strength in times of uncertainty is a testament to the power of compassion and caregiving.

How You Can Give the Gift of Life

In honor of National Nurses Week, there are ways you can provide support to those waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Currently, there are nearly 1,300 people in Colorado and Wyoming on the waitlist and more than 100,000 people nationally. Say “yes” to registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor the next time you obtain your driver license or state ID. You can also register today at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org. Once you register, you will receive the little heart with the Y on your license. That little heart has a big impact – one person can save up to eight lives through organ donation and save and heal up to 75 lives through tissue donation.

As we celebrate and express gratitude for nurses and caregivers, let’s remember the essence of their work lies in caring for life. It’s a gift that transcends boundaries and transforms futures for those waiting for a lifesaving and healing transplant.

Register in Wyoming   Register in Colorado

A weekly gathering of harmonica players is more than just music for Dean Hutto. It’s a reminder he was given a second chance at life. 

The 2024 Wyoming Donor Dash honored heroic organ and tissue donors and their families, celebrated the lives of transplant recipients, and recognized those who continue to wait for a lifesaving and healing transplant. Currently, nearly 150 Wyomingites are waiting for an organ transplant and thousands more are in need of a tissue transplant, which provides hope to those suffering from injury, disease, trauma or blindness.

On Saturday, April 20, Donor Alliance, the nonprofit organization that facilitates organ and tissue donation for transplantation in most of Wyoming and Colorado, hosted its annual Wyoming Donor Dash with 380 Wyomingites at the Tate Pumphouse.

Donor Alliance advocate volunteer Cary Galvin shares her brother’s story with the Casper Star-Tribune on Donor Remembrance Day. Her younger brother, Michael, passed away in 2016 after suffering a brain aneurysm. During this dark time, there was one bright spot. Michael was able to save five lives with the donation of his lungs, heart, and kidneys.

Donors are being honored during the month of April along with their families for National Donate Life Month. On Friday, these donors were acknowledged with a Donate Life Flag Ceremony.

April is National Donate Life Month — a chance to honor and remember those who gave the ultimate gift, while raising awareness about organ and tissue donation. Kristen Adcock lost her middle son, Connor, in October of 2017. Connor would be turning 26 years old this year.

In a vibrant display, buildings across cities and towns in Colorado and Wyoming are lighting up iconic locations with hues of blue and green. So, what’s the story behind it?

Right now, in Wyoming, more than 100 people are waiting and hoping for a life-saving organ transplant. And amid National Donate Life Month, residents across the state and country are being encouraged to boost those hopes by registering as an organ donor.

Donor Alliance and its advocate volunteer, Tony Young who is a heart and kidney recipient, appeared on 9NEWS in the 4pm newscast to raise awareness for National Donate Life Month. Donor Alliance encourages people to order a free #ShineALight kit this month to highlight the need at DonateLifeColorado.org.

Since 2003, Donor Alliance and the nation have been observing April as National Donate Life Month to raise awareness about the importance of registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor.