ConnectLife Blog

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.

The New York State Department of Health in October announced the launch of the Living Donor Support Program to help cover eligible expenses associated with the living donation process. More than 8,000 people in the state are currently awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant. More than 7,000 of those are in need of a kidney transplant. More than 500 are in need of a liver transplant. A living donor can give one of their two kidneys, or a portion of their liver, to someone w

Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the HEART (Helping Equal Access to Registrations for Transplants) Act, repealing an outdated New York law prohibiting multi-listing at transplant centers in the state. The ban dated back to 1990. New York has long been the only state with such a restriction.

Donor family members, friends and ConnectLife staff gathered at the Gift of Life Garden in Delaware Park on Saturday, October 5, 2025 to honor organ, eye and tissue donors.

Shannon Zaragoza Anderson shares a testimonial about her experience being the first vaginal delivery birth tissue mom.

ConnectLife's 2024 Impact Report

The 2025 Donate Life Month theme is "Let life sing!"

Two local cancer patients tell their stories below and thank the donors that helped them through their cancer fight.

Katie Drum shares her story as a birth tissue donor and how she honored her mom's passing with a memorial blood drive.

Donate whole blood, platelets, or double red cells in February and you'll get one (1) ticket to a Buffalo Bandits upcoming home.

Highlighting Blood Donor Sponsor: Barbara Moore

2024 Annual Appeal: Featuring the Gift of Life Garden. The gift that keeps on growing.

Have questions about our ticket giveaway? We have answers.

ConnectLife is looking forward to the Babies and Bumps event this Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 11am – 4pm at the Buffalo Marriott Niagara.

There has been some confusion lately concerning us (ConnectLife) and the American Red Cross. Are we affiliated? The answer is no!

On Thursday, June 27, ConnectLife staff from across Buffalo and Syracuse gathered at the KeyBank Center for a Staff Appreciation Day.

The Platelet Promise is back. After a huge success from last year - we are hoping for an even better year in 2024.

These hand-made loveys will be provided to expecting mothers and babies who make the honorable decision to donate their birth tissue.

A special shout out to Beverly Polito and her knitting group for the time and dedication it takes to create these beautiful blankets.