ConnectLife Blog

Members of the ConnectLife Club of North Collins High School visted ConnectLife headquarters on Dec. 2, 2025. Since 2004, ConnectLife has been educating and inspiring young adults in Western New York to help save and enhance lives through participation in our high school program. Students learn about organ, eye, tissue and blood donation, share information with their peers and support blood drives and donor registry efforts. A highlight of the club year is the chance to tour

Theresa Kehl of Bliss, NY, received a diagnosis of severe liver disease last year. The mother of five was a music teacher for 30 years. She remains active in church and health programs serving Wyoming County. Theresa needs a liver transplant and her friends and family are spreading the word, hoping that a living donor will come forward. “Without a transplant, I lose my mom,” said her daughter Sophia. “Right now our only hope is to find a donor.” Theresa is working with UR Med

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.