ConnectLife Blog

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

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.

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.

As told by her sister, Denise Dolce My big sister Lori is 3-1/2 years older than me. She is married with children and lives in Norman, Oklahoma. She is the most giving, loving, caring person that I know. Lori insisted in donating her kidney to our Mom, even though our Mom was worried for her to do that. Lori went through 9 months of testing before they would approve her for the surgery. The minute they put Lori's kidney in our Mom it started working great! The kidney worked f

When Ed Draves learned that he could save a life by being a living organ donor, he was glad to give. “It’s one of the better decisions that I’ve ever made,” Ed said of his choice to donate a kidney. A lifelong Western New York resident, Ed and his wife have a son and daughter. He has worked as a wine salesman for 26 years. Ed is a member of Western Star Masonic Lodge No. 1185 in Lackawanna. He joined "to work with other people for the common good. There's a lot of charity wor