2025 ConnectLife Impact Report

A Major Milestone for Organ Donation in New York

More than 50% of eligible New York residents are now registered organ, eye,

and tissue donors, with 7.9 million people enrolled and a registration rate that

has doubled over the past decade. Despite this major milestone, New York still

falls below the national average, and more than 8,000 New Yorkers remain on

transplant waiting lists, with many dying each year while waiting for

a lifesaving organ.

A February Heart-to-Heart

Celebrated on the same day, National Donor Day and Valentine’s Day reminded us that love can save lives. February 14 provided the perfect opportunity to encourage people to share their wishes to become organ, eye, and tissue donors with those closest to them. Valentines were printed and shared with blood donors and delivered to local hospitals as a small reminder that donation is an act of love.

Platelet Promise in March

It was a meaningful month dedicated to educating future platelet donors, inspiring new ones to step forward, and recognizing those who continue to give so generously.

Since 2021, platelet donors Patricia and Richard have made a habit of donating together, spending Friday mornings side by side in the chair. Richard, a registered organ donor, sees platelet donation as a way to make an immediate difference, while Patricia was inspired by the impact platelet donations had on a friend’s daughter. What started as a friendship has become a lifesaving routine, proving that doing good is easier with a buddy.

National Donate Life Month in April

The 2025 Donate Life Month theme was “Let Life Sing!” Birds symbolized new beginnings and meaningful reminders of loved ones who have passed away. Their annual return and song offered a powerful sense of peace, hope, and renewal.

Birth Tissue Month in May

Each day, we highlighted a birth tissue baby whose donation had the potential to heal and impact

up to 100 lives. It showcased the incredible gift new moms and their babies can give.

Gift of Life Garden Clean-Up Day in June

We were grateful for our dedicated team and volunteers who

helped care for this meaningful space honoring our donor families.

Thank you to the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy for their

support, assistance, and guidance.

Staff Appreciation Day in June

ConnectLife Staff Appreciation Day 2025 was both impactful

and energizing for our team. We are grateful to the speakers

who shared their powerful stories, reminding us of our mission

to educate the community, inspire donation, and connect lives.

10th Danny Gare & Friends Golf Tournament in July

The 10th Annual Danny Gare & Friends Golf Tournament was a huge success, with a fun day of golf and

great weather on a beautiful course. As one of ConnectLife’s largest events, all $41,841 worth of proceeds

went to fulfill our mission and connect lives. As always, we took the time to recognize the donors and their

families who have said yes to donation.

Thank You to Our Lifesaving Community in August

A critical emergency call for blood donors was issued following a major crash that left multiple people with serious injuries requiring hospital care. The community responded immediately, with donors turning out in record numbers, including our second busiest Saturday on record. Their generosity helped meet urgent local hospital needs and demonstrated why it’s so important to donate blood at a community blood bank.

DMV Appreciation Month in September

ConnectLife is grateful for the dedication of auto bureau staff across Western New York who help people record their decisions to save and enhance lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation.

Gift of Life Garden in October

Donor families, friends, and ConnectLife staff gathered at the Gift of Life Garden in Buffalo’s Delaware Park on October 5, 2025, to honor the generous organ, eye,

and tissue donors who gave the gift of life. We are deeply grateful to the families and loved ones who joined us to remember, reflect, and celebrate their enduring legacy.

H.E.A.R.T. Act Becomes Law in October

The new law allows New Yorkers awaiting a lifesaving organ to register at multiple transplant centers, expanding access and reducing wait times to promote fairness and opportunity. This reform was championed by Donate Life New York State and supported by Western New York delegates whose advocacy helped bring the measure to fruition. Key legislative leadership included bill sponsorship from Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes in the Assembly and sponsorship in the Senate from April N.M. Baskin, with co-sponsorship by Angelo Morinello, Andrea K. Bailey, Patrick M. Galligan, and Thomas F. O’Mara.

ConnectLife Club in October

Members of the ConnectLife Club at Williamsville South High School brought the fun with an “Operation” game–themed Trunk-or-Treat display. Through the club, students learn about organ, eye, tissue, and blood donation while helping educate their peers and community about the importance of saving lives.

New Blood Bus in December

In December, we unveiled our new community blood bus, designed to bring lifesaving donation opportunities closer to the people we serve and expand access at events, schools, and workplaces. The bus is new to our fleet and ready to help give the gift of life one stop at a time.

Honoring Aaron’s Gift of Life in December

Since 2019, Robin Ebling has hosted an annual memorial blood drive each December on her son Aaron’s birthday, transforming her family’s loss into a tradition of hope and healing. Donors continue the meaningful tradition of blowing out a candle and making a wish for Aaron, and over 100 units of blood have been collected, helping hundreds of local patients.

With Gratitude to Our Volunteers

Thank you to the volunteers who supported our mission all year long through ConnectLife. Your generosity and dedication helped educate the community, inspire donation, and connect lives, making a lasting impact in our region.

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to make an IMPACT today!

1 organ, eye, and tissue donor can save or enhance the lives of up to 75 people.

1 blood donor can save up to 3 local patients at Western New York hospitals.

1 birth tissue donor has the potential to help up to 100 people through wound-healing grafts.

1 person can play a vital role in supporting ConnectLife’s mission.