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Tag Archives: organ donor registry

15 Jul

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CEO Blog

20 Million Californians Have Said YES to Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation — Twenty Million Is a Milestone, Not Our Finish Line

California has reached an incredible milestone: 20 million Californians have said YES to organ, eye, and tissue donation. This achievement represents hope for thousands of people currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

As the state with the largest donor registry in the nation, this milestone reflects the true power of public education, a strong social media presence, meaningful community engagement, and strategic partnerships. Through ongoing advocacy, outreach, and collaboration, Donate Life California continues to inspire Californians to make informed decisions about donation.

We could not have reached 20 million without our long-standing partnership with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which has accounted for approximately 99% of all donor registrations. For years, the DMV has made it easy for individuals to register in person at locations across the state, integrating the opportunity to say YES to donation into a simple, everyday process.

More recently, our partnership with the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) has expanded opportunities for Californians to say YES to donation. This year, the FTB introduced a new “Check YES” option as part of the California state tax return filing process, giving Californians the opportunity to make their decision about organ, eye, and tissue donation while filing their taxes for the first time. This innovative approach made it easier and more convenient for people to say YES to donation, helping accelerate progress toward the 20 million milestone. In just six months, approximately 160,000 Californians checked YES to organ, eye, and tissue donation through this new initiative.

We are grateful to every Californian who has said YES to saving lives. This milestone is a testament to the power of compassion and community—two values that define our state.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our Organ Procurement Organization partners (Lifesharing, OneLegacy, Donor Network West, and Sierra Donor Services), as well as our community partners at the DMV and the FTB. Your continued collaboration has been instrumental in making this achievement possible.

We would also like to recognize Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D–Thousand Oaks). In 2023, our mission to reach more Californians became a reality when she championed AB 1268, the law that streamlined the organ donor registration process through the FTB. By requiring the inclusion of the “Check YES” box on California state tax returns, this innovation has created a powerful new pathway for registration, helping connect more people in need of a lifesaving transplant with donors.

Assemblywoman Irwin recognized the urgency of this issue: more than 20,000 people in California are waiting for an organ transplant, often as their only chance at survival. She understood that this is not just a policy issue, but a critical public health need that demands action and awareness. We are deeply grateful for her commitment and partnership in advancing our mission: to save more lives.

29 Jul

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in
Press Release

Donate Life California Responds to Recent Media Coverage: Reaffirming Our Commitment to Transparency, Trust, and Life-Saving Facts

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In light of recent articles published by The New York Times and other media outlets, Donate Life California is reaffirming its commitment to serve the people of California with clear, accurate information about organ, eye, and tissue donation.

“Donation is a deeply personal decision,” said Jim Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Donate Life California. “Our role is to ensure every individual has access to the facts they need to make that decision with confidence and trust.”

Since the publication of the July 20 article by The New York Times, Donate Life California has experienced a significant increase in public inquiries and concerns. In just a few days, more than 2,500 individuals across California have removed themselves from the state’s organ donor registry—a sobering reminder of how misinformation can influence decisions with life-or-death consequences.

“The stories as reported do not reflect the work Californians organ procurement organizations do each day to honor donors and save lives,” Martin continued. “Key facts about donation procedures and safeguards were omitted, leading to public confusion and fear.”

Currently, more than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for a life-saving transplant. Nearly 20,000 of them reside in California. Every person who unregisters as a donor represents a missed opportunity to save or heal lives.

The articles in question highlight donation after circulatory death (DCD), a carefully regulated medical practice rooted in ethical standards and clinical rigor. DCD allows more families to carry out their loved ones’ wishes and increases the chances of saving lives. Like all forms of donation, it is based on the foundation of informed authorization and governed by strict protocols.

“We support transparency and accountability in all aspects of our work, including in response to media coverage,” said Martin. “We welcome open dialogue and are here to answer questions about how donation works and how it saves lives.”

Donate Life California encourages members of the public with questions or concerns to visit www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org or contact the organization directly at info@donatelifecalifornia.org. For those seeking more information about DCD or the donation process in their region, a list of local Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) is available at: https://donatelifecalifornia.org/about-us/local-donation-resources.

“Organ donation is one of the most meaningful gifts a person can give,” said Martin. “As we navigate these conversations, we do so with a deep sense of responsibility to educate, advocate, and uplift the truth—because lives depend on it.”

Media Contact:

Jim Martin
CEO
Donate Life California
jim.martin@donatelifecalifornia.org
916-678-6044

25 Jun

By

in
News

Living Loud, Living Fully: Carswell’s Life After Kidney Transplant

 

For Carswell, life has always been about navigating challenges with heart and finding joy and identity in the spaces between. As a trans, bisexual kidney transplant recipient, Carswell embodies what it means to live fully and unapologetically. This Pride Month, we’re honored to share their story: one of resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of organ donation.

Diagnosed at age six with primary hyperoxaluria, a rare genetic condition that damages the kidneys and liver, Carswell spent much of their childhood living what felt like a “normal” life. “When you’re diagnosed young, you don’t really think about your life as different,” they shared. “It’s just your life.”

But in March 2020, everything changed. Carswell’s kidneys had failed, and they were placed on dialysis three times a week. At the same time, they were enrolled in a clinical trial that offered hope, but only after confirmation that they had been receiving the placebo did they finally gain access to the real treatment.

It helped. But the journey wasn’t easy.

Carswell experienced setbacks and complications, including a rare virus, time off the transplant list, and physical exhaustion. “I was a slug in my own life,” they said. “Sleeping, doing the bare minimum. I couldn’t do the things I loved.”

But on April 8, 2022, after years of uncertainty, a call came in: a kidney was available. The transplant took place the next day. “It was a whirlwind,” they recalled. “We had to call my mom, grab our bags, tell everyone. I was just about to leave dialysis when they told me. It felt surreal.”

A Return to the Stage—and Self

Carswell’s life after transplant hasn’t been without challenges, but it’s come with more freedom, connection, and creativity.

A passionate performer and storyteller, Carswell has always found joy in theater and writing. “There’s something about the connection on stage, you don’t get that anywhere else,” they shared. After the transplant, they enrolled in community college, began studying film, and started dreaming big again.

Though they had to step back from a recent role, Carswell treasures every performance. “One of my best friends played my sister. Her character died, and I had to scream and cry over her, and we kept trying not to laugh the entire time. It was beautiful.”

Pride, Identity & Choosing to Live Boldly

As someone who identifies as trans and bisexual, Pride Month carries deep significance for Carswell. “Pride is both a celebration and a recognition of how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go,” they said. “It’s about not being silenced. About saying, we’re here, we’re queer, and we’re not going anywhere.”

They see clear parallels between their medical journey and their identity journey. “Transplant forced me to reclaim control over my life. So did transitioning. Both have made me more vocal, more honest, and more focused on the life I want to live.”

The Power of Organ Donation

“The last three years have been the most joyous of my life,” Carswell said. “That’s only because I was able to receive a kidney. It didn’t fix everything, but it gave me the chance to try.”

That chance to live, to love, to create is the very gift that donation makes possible.

Be the Reason Someone Gets Their Second Act

During Pride Month and beyond, we celebrate people like Carswell who remind us that every life is worthy, every story matters, and every “yes” to do

nation creates a ripple of hope.

You can be part of that ripple.

👉 Register today at www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org
👉 Talk to your family about your decision
👉 Share your story to inspire others

Because someone like Carswell is out there, waiting for their spotlight, their story, and their second chance.