Ascension Saint Thomas Campuses Celebrate Donate Life Month

Over the month of April, Ascension Saint Thomas hospitals across Middle Tennessee have celebrated Donate Life Month in partnership with Tennessee Donor Services. Donate Life Month is a national celebration of the lifesaving and changing impacts of organ, eye, and tissue donation. According to United Network for Organ Sharing, more than 100,000 American men, women, and children are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.

“It’s a privilege to work alongside Tennessee Donor Services to celebrate this special month,” said Laurie Oliver, director for transplant services at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital. “We are honored to have a transplant center and we celebrate the role we play in saving and changing lives through donation. This month provided us an opportunity to reflect on the generosity and hope that organ donation offers to both families and recipients.”

During these celebrations, several individuals also shared their personal stories and their connection to this special month. Each reflected on the positive blessings they experienced in their grief, and others shared their stories of the new life they were given through transplant. A flag was raised, a tree was planted, and butterflies were released in honor of those who have passed away and donated their organs to save another life. Each of these celebrations served as a symbol of hope, courage, and transformed life, themes repeatedly found within the donation and transplantation journey.