ConnectLife Blog

Meredith Roberts of North Tonawanda is in need of a liver transplant. The 17-year-old suddenly fell ill and is now being treated at UPMC in Pittsburgh, where she and her family hope that she can soon receive a transplant from a living liver donor.

Ellicottville Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Zachary M. Golley is remembered for his generous spirit. Zach became an organ donor when he passed away in March, saving lives through two kidney transplants, a liver transplant and a heart transplant. Viktoria Hallikäär of Spectrum News recently reported on Zach's legacy. The story is online at https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/news/2025/10/17/selfless-acts-in-life-and-in-death-for-ellicottville-firefighter-zach

November 26th, the day before Thanksgiving, Western New York’s only community blood bank will welcome donors for a blood drive from 9am to 3pm in Highmark Stadium’s Toyota Club. To celebrate the special occasion, ConnectLife will be holding raffles throughout the day, with prizes including an autographed Josh Allen jersey, an autographed Greg Rousseau helmet, and tickets to the final regular season home game at the stadium against the Jets.

In September 2015, Shawn became a hero to many, when his selfless act of organ donation gave the Gift of Life to five people. Through corneal donations, Shawn additionally provided two others the opportunity to see again. The non-profit organization Shawn’s Heroes for Life continues his legacy by honoring and enhancing the lives of veterans and those in need, and by increasing organ donation awareness.

November is Eye Donation Month, and ConnectLife is raising awareness about the life-transforming opportunities that are created through eye donation. Eye Donation Month 2025 is centered on the theme, “Everyday Heroes.” This emphasizes the fact that nearly anyone has the potential to be a cornea donor – everyday individuals have the ability to be a hero by registering as a donor and giving the life-transforming power of restored sight.