ConnectLife Blog

Judy Hooper lived a life full of love! She was the type of person that had so much love to share and was always the heart and soul of her family. Her family remembers her for being the most giving and generous throughout her life; and even after as Judy was an eye and tissue donor.

Story as told by her daughter, Elaine My mother was an incredible woman! She raised four wonderful children, while also going back to school in her 30s. She was one of the most hardworking people; she worked tirelessly (20 hours a day 7 days a week!!) for what she believed in. She worked for the city of North Tonawanda's Recreation Department, and she ran all of the year-round programs for developmentally disabled children and adults. She gave them hope. She gave them love. S

Corinne Dulak was a devoted mother, sister, aunt and friend. Corinne was loved by every person she met. She fiercely loved her family and her friends, especially her son, Tom. Corinne was and still is her sister Lialan’s best friend; Lialan says that she talks to Corinne all the time and will continue to do so forever.

When John found out he needed a kidney transplant, Sunnie immediately volunteered to get tested to see if she was a match. Luckily, she was and she gave John a healthy kidney with zero hesitation! The transplant was a success, and John now has the energy to enjoy life and play with his 4-year-old.

Story as told by her aunt, Lori Cybulski Kaydie was the heart of our family. She loved everyone and made sure it was known. Her smile and laugh made everyone around her smile. She loved the trees and flowers and would do amazing crafts with them. Kaydie had a passion for hearts. She took pictures of everything that were shaped like hearts. So of course when we see hearts we think of her! We see them in water spots, clouds, all sorts of things and of course we think of our K

As told by Sarah Piasecki, Cathy’s daughter There isn’t enough time or space to be able to properly tell you about my mom. She was the light, the love, the laughter of our world and always brought the party with her. She was the most loving, caring, funniest human I’ve ever met. She was “Whose Line is it Anyway” meets MacGyver. She loved many things. She loved to sing, spend time with family and friends, word games; but most importantly, she loved to laugh. Although this amaz

Upon her passing, Melissa Mercer became an organ, eye and tissue donor with Unyts. Melissa was an avid animal lover, loved nature and always stepped up to lend a hand to anyone in need. She was loved by anyone who ever met her. She had a unique sense of humor and always made people laugh. Following her donation, Melissa’s husband has become involved with Unyts and spreading the donate life mission. He recently had a memorial blood drive with Unyts in Melissa’s honor, and supp

Born on July 2, 2009 Passed away on July 7, 2014 just 5 days after turning 5 years old Beatriz V. Lasalle Cintron As told by her mom, Iesha Cintron Beatriz was a fighter in her short life. When she was born she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder, and doctors estimated she would only live for 72 hours. She was constantly going to doctors’ appointments and in the hospital, but she was a loved little girl by everyone she crossed by. Beatriz loved music, pai

As told by his mother, Naiem Bello Cairo Aljuwani Brown was born on April 22nd, 2014. His homecoming was September 8th, 2016. Cairo was born with a rare degenerative neuromuscular disorder called Myotubular Myopathy which primarily affects boys. This disease targets movement and muscle function all throughout the body with extreme weakness, making it difficult to move, swallow, speak and even breathe without the use of respiratory equipment. Even though my son had only a 2.5

Colton Lasker of Hamburg became an organ donor upon his passing on June 23, 2016. He was 23. His mother, Rebecca Barnell, shared this remembrance. Colton, my boy, it’s so hard to explain how amazing he was. He to me was bright from inside his soul. He was so loving and tender even though he was strong and courageous. He loved literature, all kinds, but was drawn to poetry most of all. It connected him to who he was inside so he knew he wasn’t alone in his wise and amazing way

We knew that Justin would want to be an organ donor. During his life, he was always trying to help others and now in his death he was giving the gift that would save lives. We know that his big caring heart is beating in another man, his lungs, liver and kidneys were able to go to some very special people. There are two people that are seeing the world through his eyes. These people are in our prayers every day.

Ryan Sojda of West Seneca became an organ and tissue donor upon his passing in March 2014. His parents Toni Lynn and Kevin shared this remembrance. Ryan Eric, “Our Hero, Our Warrior” Back in 1987 as we prepared for the birth of our first child, Kevin and I were looking at baby names. Kevin was absolutely certain we were having a boy and wanted to make sure that he had a strong name. As we looked at names and their meanings he found Ryan, which means “The King”, “A Warrior.” F

Jesse Smith of Buffalo was a loving husband, father and grandfather. “He enjoyed providing for the family,” said his wife Dixie. “He was an avid fisherman with the Eastside Angler's Fishing Club,” she remembered.

When he passed away on February 20, 2009, Raymond Ott was 78 years old. He became an eye and tissue donor.

Frederick Garrasi III became an eye donor upon his passing on May 3, 2013. This remembrance was shared by his parents, Fred and Renee. Freddy was a proud big brother, the oldest of three children. While of course he and his sisters had the typical sibling fights and rivalries, they were incredibly close and the best of friends. Freddy would do anything for his family and friends. He grew up in a family that taught him the importance of kindness and compassion. Freddy carried

Paul Englert, Jr. became an organ donor upon his passing on September 19, 2013. This remembrance was shared by his family. Paul was a happy, healthy 19-year-old young man who is described by everyone as always having a big smile and a hearty laugh. He was born January 11, 1994, on the birthday of his paternal grandfather. For 19 years they shared this special day together, and ironically God called them home only 10 days apart. Paul Englert, Jr. shared a birthday with his gra

Written by Sophia’s daughter Tracey Mom was very involved with her family. She had four children, Tracey, Lori, Julie and Dan; three sons-in-law, Joe, Ken and Keith; and four grandchildren, Joey, Trevor, Cassie and Ashley. Her favorite things to do always involved her family and especially her grandchildren. She would travel all over the country to watch her granddaughter Cassie perform in baton competitions. She also enjoyed Ashley’s soccer matches. She spent this past Thank

Written by Eric's Mom, Vicki Eric Michael Fontaine was born on June 4, 1991. He was my only child and I miss him with all my heart. He became an angel on May 17, 2013. He was just 21 years old. He was in a motorcycle accident and died instantly. Everyone that knew Eric loved him. He was such a fun loving, easy going young man. He always made everyone laugh and he had such an infectious laugh. Eric loved cars. This started at a young age. Whenever his grandmother or I took him

”I know now that participating in the organ donation program was absolutely the right decision…To know that her gift was able to save a life is an unbelievable and wonderful feeling. And to know that a part of her is still living feels like a miracle.”

Written by daughter Maranda E. Reed (Golding) I am honored to be sharing my father’s life story with you. First let me tell you a bit about the amazing man he was... Ken was born on Friday September 13th to Victor and Marilyn Golding. He was the younger brother to Debbie Golding and Vincent Golding and older brother to Jeffery Golding. He was born and raised in Niagara Falls, Ontario. From the stories my grandparents told me, my dad was a quite trouble maker and yet became a