HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Observed annually from September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and honor the generosity of Hispanic donors and their families. While we recognize and appreciate their contributions year-round, this month highlights the critical need for individuals from this diverse community to register as organ and tissue donors.
The importance of diversity and organ and tissue donation
Hispanic people make up about 19% of the U.S. population but face a disproportionately higher risk for diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and other health conditions that could lead to heart disease and organ failure. Hispanics or Latinos are 1.3 times as likely as non-Hispanics/Latinos to develop kidney failure.
Every 8 minutes, another individual is added to the national transplant waiting list, while an average of 13 people die each day while waiting for a transplant.
Although organs are not matched according to race/ethnicity, and people of different races frequently match one another, all individuals waiting for an organ transplant will have a better chance of receiving one of it there are large numbers of donors from their racial/ethnic background. This means that greater donor diversity can help increase access to transplantation for everyone.
What Can You Do to Help?
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by registering as an organ and tissue a donor! It only takes a minute to register and one organ and tissue donor can save up to 8 lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us!
Honor a loved one on Día de los Muertos
On Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2, we will be celebrating Día de los Muertos with a special altar at our headquarters honoring loved ones who have passed. Photos and tribute messages will also be displayed on a special Día de los Muertos page on our website
To participate, please submit a photo of a loved one and a short tribute message using the form below by Friday, October 24th.
Photos of our altar will be posted on our social media pages on November 1.
Here is a sample post for social media:
🌟🎉 In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s celebrate the incredible strength of our community by giving the gift of life through organ donation! Register as an organ and tissue donor today at NJSharingNetwork.org/Register. 💙💚
Stories of Hope
Julian Rosado
Organ Donor
"This is my beautiful son, Julian. He was my sunshine since the day he was born. As a child, he was diagnosed with learning disabilities. He struggled in school, sports, etc. But he never gave up. He overcame many obstacles in his life. Julian went to a trade school and became a plumber, working on construction sites throughout NYC. In 2016, he met the most beautiful and sweet girl, and they were married in March of 2021. They were so happy and had many plans for their future together.
My son was a quirky, funny guy, always joking and making everyone laugh. He loved his family dearly and was very caring. He was always looking out for his family and close friends. On July 5, 2021, only three months after their wedding, my son had a tragic fall down the stairs and suffered a severe brain injury. He had brain surgery and was on life support for five days. All we did during those five long days was pray for a miracle. Unfortunately, he passed away on July 10. He donated his organs and he saved three lives. This was his way of showing his true spirit. I always referred to my son as my sunshine, because he was a beautiful light. Now he is like a sunflower, who spread "seeds" so more flowers can grow. It comforts me to know that my son, my sunshine, gave the gift of life to three other individuals. He left this world on a very high note!"
— Mary Jane Rosado, mother of organ donor, Julian
Read more Stories of Hope
A Gift of Life - A Story of Organ and Tissue Donation
Our Foundation is proud to have funded the publication of A Gift of Life - A Story of Organ and Tissue Donation by children's author Rachelle Burk, which follows a young boy after the loss of his father and his legacy as a hero through organ and tissue donation.
We are pleased to announce the book has now also been published in Spanish! Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by ordering the Spanish language version of this inspiring book today.
