Through a series of events and promotions each April, Legacy of Hope recognizes National Donate Life Month (NDLM). The observation was established by Donate Life America to raise awareness about organ donation and share the perspectives of individuals and families touched by donation and transplantation.
Alabama’s organ procurement organization, Legacy of Hope, plans various NDLM promotions and events to educate the public and raise awareness about the need for organ, eye, and tissue donation. Roughly half of the U.S. population are registered donors, but the number of people in need still exceeds available organs and tissue, as nearly 6,000 die each year while waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. And every eight minutes, another person is added to the waiting list. In response to these needs, more and more people are making the gift of life.
Schedule of events
• UAB Donate Life softball game: Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m.
UAB takes on North Texas. Double lung transplant recipient Kevin Huckaby will throw out the first pitch. Click here for details.
• Blue & Green Day: Friday, April 12
National Blue & Green Day specifically works to promote the Donate Life brand through recognition of its official colors. Legacy of Hope plans many promotions around Blue & Green Day, a major event for NDLM that encourages people to register as organ donors. Wear blue and green to support the Donate Life message and promote the importance of registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor.
The fountain at The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital will reflect these colors on that day, and the iconic “Birmingham” sign at Regions Field also will glow blue and green. Wear your colors and share photos on social media using the hashtag #LegacyofHopeAL.
• Celebration of Life picnic: Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on the UAB Campus Green
All transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, and supporters are invited to this outdoor event featuring food, fun, recognitions, and other events. Click here for more details and to register.
• Donor Dash for Life 5K run at Veterans Park: Saturday, May 4 at 9 a.m. (registration opens at 8 a.m.)
Donate Life Alabama is proud to present the fifth annual Donor Dash for Life 5K run. Proceeds support donation awareness programs throughout Alabama. Click here for details and to sign up.
Birmingham hosting Transplant Games in July
The Transplant Games of America is a multi-sport event that celebrates the resilience of life after donation and transplantation. More than 10,000 participants — organ recipients, living donors, and donor families — are coming to Birmingham to compete in the games, set for July 5-10. The Transplant Games are held every two years to honor the legacy of donors, highlight the need for donation, celebrate the success of transplantation, and increase the number of registered donors. Click here for more details.
Another way to give
Donate Life Alabama license plates are available through the Alabama Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division and can be pre-ordered online and personalized. The cost is $50, and $41.25 from each purchase is used to support public education about the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Click here for details.
Click here to register as an organ donor, learn more about Legacy of Hope, and find out how to get involved with National Donate Life Month events.