National Donate Life Month 2019

Celebrated in April each year, Donate Life Month features an entire month of local, regional and national activities to help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation. For the 2019 National Donate Life Month theme, Donate Life America was inspired by bicycles and the phrase “Life is a beautiful ride.” Like the donation and transplantation journey, a bicycle serves as a symbol of progress, renewal and the moving circle of life.

Thank you to everyone who played a part in raising awareness for organ, eye and tissue donations on behalf of National Donate Life Month and beyond! Highlights from the Upper Midwest include: hospital flag raising ceremonies; legislative outings; Blue and Green Day at the driver’s license offices; bridge lightings; fundraising events; legacy dedications; and celebrity hospital visits.

Blue & Green Day

At least 40 driver’s license offices through Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota participated in Blue and Green Day by decorating their offices, wearing blue and green and many made special treats. This year, ambassadors also played an important role by visiting their local DMVs to share their connection and celebrate the important role of our Driver’s License Partners. To show our appreciation, select offices were randomly chosen to receive a gift card to purchase lunch for their team. This observance is a great chance for our partners to show their support for donation and share this with their customers. Thank you to everyone for showing off your blue and green spirit!

Minnesota Twins at Masonic Children’s Hospital

On April 29th, LifeSource partnered with the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital to host a special visit from the Minnesota Twins! The morning was filled with room visits along with a photo area in the lobby for all patients to meet Mascot TC Bear, pitcher Trevor Hildenberger and first base coach Tommy Watkins. Thanks to the team for bringing a little job – and a few TC Bear hugs – to the hospital!

Donate Life Day Annual Awards Brunch

Our annual awards brunch celebrates the importance and impact of everyone’s voice in helping us create a culture of donation in our community. This year’s Donate Life Day brunch and awards featured special elements to celebrate LifeSource’s 30th anniversary year, in addition to honoring our ambassadors, advocates and partners who have helped us further our mission.

In addition to honoring our award winners, our special keynote speaker this year was Susan Gunderson, Chief Executive Officer at LifeSource. Susan shared her personal journey as LifeSource’s founding CEO and the beautiful ride of her career in donation and transplantation over the past three decades.

Thank you and congratulations to all of our honorees!

Founders Award
William Payne, MD

Ambassadors of the Year
Gary Bougie, Donor Father
Barb Peterson, Recipient Wife

Donation Advocate of the Year
Lori Hedican, Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office

Community Partner of the Year
Olmsted Medical Center
Recycle Yourself 5K

Hospital Impact Award
Sanford Medical Center Fargo

Donor Registry Impact Awards
Red Lake County, Minnesota
Billings County, North Dakota
Haakon County, South Dakota

Thank you to everyone who made Donate Life Day even more special this year! Check out photos from this year’s brunch on Facebook here.