Donation Essentials Blog

October 31, 2025

Día de los Muertos: Honoring those who have saved lives through donation

The Meaning of Día de los Muertos Día de los Muertos (Day of Death), has become a vibrant celebration that brings together culture, tradition, and community. This Mexican holiday honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away, celebrating their lives with color, music, and offerings. Rather than seeing death as an end, Día de […]

December 1, 2017

Coroner’s Corner: Q&A With Albany Co. WY Coroner Jennifer Graham

When did you know you wanted to become a coroner? I attempted to intern with the Albany County Coroner in 2003. When I met with Julie Heggie she ended up offering me a job. After watching her assist the families through these difficult times, I knew that this was something that I wanted to do. […]

December 1, 2017

Advocate Spotlight: Judy Thompson

Donor Alliance volunteers and advocates are the heart and soul of our efforts to inspire and inform our community about the importance of registering as organ, eye and tissue donors in Colorado and Wyoming. Each of our volunteers and advocates has their own unique and inspiring story to tell. This month, we are featuring Judy […]

December 1, 2017

Staff Spotlight: Joyleen Helcoski

We’re so proud to work with each and every one of our staff members here at Donor Alliance. In our Staff Spotlight, we like to take a minute to let you learn more about who we are and why we work at Donor Alliance. Name: Joyleen Helcoski Position: Aftercare Coordinator Years at Donor Alliance: 5 […]

November 30, 2017

Broncos Coach Takes Donate Life Message to the Field

Denver Broncos Coach Eric Studesville is showing his support for organ, eye and tissue donation by wearing these custom Donate Life Colorado shoes when the Broncos take on the Miami Dolphins in December 3rd. It’s part of the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” initiative designed to raise awareness for causes close to the players and […]

November 20, 2017

Donor Alliance honored for best practices in Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award categories

Donor Alliance was recognized for best practices within the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award categories of Measurement, Analysis and Knowledge Management (category 4) and Operations (category 6).

November 14, 2017

Get the Facts: Does saying “yes” to becoming an organ donor affect the medical care I receive?

Many people that have never considered organ donation or have delayed registering to become a donor do so because of inaccurate information or assumptions about organ donation and transplantation. One of the most common myths is that a person’s decision to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor affects the level of medical care […]

November 8, 2017

Video: Ellen Stoddard Keyes – Donor Mother

Have you ever donated a dollar or more to the Emily Keyes – John W. Buckner Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund? The fund bears the name of Ellen’s daughter Emily. In the midst of an unthinkable tragedy, Emily was able to donate the gift of sight. It’s a fact Ellen is very proud of. […]

November 3, 2017

Donor Alliance Community Outreach and Public Education Efforts Recognized with Local and National Awards

Last week, the Donor Alliance team was honored at the 2017 Donate Life America (DLA) Pinnacle Awards, taking home honors in the media and innovation categories for our National Donate Life Month Trees for Life initiative, and in the affinity category for our “Heroes Say Yes!” partnership with the Grand Junction Rockies. The Trees for […]