ConnectLife Blog

“Our goal is not only to help support the WNY community, but also bring awareness to the never-ending need for blood and platelets.”

Liam is a 10-year-old boy fighting T-cell ALL Leukemia. His mom Liz shares about the importance of community blood and platelet donation.

Ekaterina “Kate” was the kindest and sweetest person. She is our Hero of the Month, and her story is shared by her boyfriend Dymtro.

Westley Quintern loved the outdoors, hanging out with friends, and most of all he loved his family. His mom Heather shares her son's story.

ConnectLife is proud to share stories of donor families, living donors, transplant recipients, and donation champions curated by AMAT.

Our February 2023, Blood Donor Highlight Hero is Patti Fee, an O negative blood donor.

Your story matters: ConnectLife blood donors save local lives. Share your story!

Come prepared to your donation appointment!

Stephanie is our January Hero of the Month. Her dad, Ken, shares his daughter's story.

WNY’s only community blood back, ConnectLife, is raising awareness about the need for blood donation this National Blood Donor Month.

Jerome Carr is our December Hero of the Month. His husband, Matthew shares Jerome's life and legacy with us.

From Briar's dad, Derek Briar was a good person. The kind of person who when you met her for the first time, you just knew she was good. This was very evident based on the great friends she had throughout her life. She loved to laugh, her sarcastic sense of humor was fantastic and so addictive. A one liner from her favorite movies like Elf or Christmas Vacation would crack her up every single time to the point she'd have tears from laughing so hard. Her family was the most im

We hope that when people think of Kathy, the first thing that comes to mind is her strength, determination and the overwhelming amount of love and support she provided. We hope people remember that through it all she was an optimist, and that people can apply that mindset within their own lives.

Story as told by Michael's daughter, Nancy My dad was one of six children. Five of the six served in World War II. He was drafted into the Army Air Corp in 1945 at the age of 18. He was stationed with the 1388th AAF Base Unit in Newfoundland Base, but he did not see combat as he was drafted at the end of World War II. Family was the most important thing in his life. He was always very proud of his time in the service. He was an avid bowler, and loved the Buffalo Bisons, Buffa

After Beth’s passing, her gifts continued to give through eye and tissue donation. She was a Christian woman, with a big heart that will continue to give long past her time on earth. Her family continues to be proud of her and honor her impact here each day.

Story as told by Rob's sister, Shirley My brother Rob passed away suddenly of a heart attack. While going through the end-of-life process, we found out my brother was an organ donor. Whitney from ConnectLife helped us through all the steps. And we were able to be by Rob's side until the very end. Rob’s life may have been taken too soon, but he saved two others in New York with the donation of his kidneys. Rob served four years in the US Navy and was a Veteran of the Desert St

Story as told by Rob's sister, Sara Rob was from a large family of siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews. The love he had for all his family and friends, especially his two daughters, Bailey and Quinn was special. They were his pride and joy. Rob was engaged to Karol and together they enjoyed the outdoors and were avid sports fans. He was an unwavering Buffalo Bills fan who loved to remind his Patriots-loving fiancé that Bills fan were the most loyal out there. Rob enjoyed h

Story as told by Kenzie's mom Kenzie loved to make people laugh and cheer them up when they were down by telling jokes or acting silly. She also loved to help people, spend time with her friends and family, have slumber parties, and she especially loved all animals, including horses. She was well known for her love for the country artist, Luke Bryan. She loved beating me at backgammon, and she was getting pretty good at it, too! Kenzie loved being an aunt to her niece Maci. K

Cheryl Yurek was the most generous and loving mother, grandmother, friend, and person. She was the type of person that always had a kind word to say. Cheryl was both a living kidney donor and a donor again after her passing. Cheryl served her community as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, and PTA president.

Story as told by Shane's mother, Mindy My son Shane is now known as the fishing king. He had a deep passion for fishing and fished year round. When he wasn't at work he was either out on the lake or at the river doing what he loved. Shane had a huge heart and always helped others in need. He was wild and crazy and so much fun! He was a very outgoing and loving person always helping others however he could. I don't think Shane knew just how many people his life impacted. Shane