THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED MAKE THE
2026 DLC Gala
The Symphony of Life
a Tremendous Success!
Our hearts are full after an unforgettable night celebrating Connecticut’s donation and transplant community. The energy in the room was palpable, the generosity was inspiring, and the joy was everywhere.
From the fantastic choir and great music by DJ Zerp to the excitement of the raffle and the fun of the photo booth, the evening truly reflected the spirit of this community. Most importantly, we had the privilege of honoring the lifesaving work that brings hope to so many.
We extend our sincere congratulations and gratitude to our honorees:
Dr. Hiroshi Sogawa
Dr. Dina Al Rameni
Dennis Thomas
We also offer heartfelt thanks to our generous donors and supporters:
Jamie Sea, Hartford HealthCare, Yale New Haven Hospital, New England Donor Services, Hargreaves Family Foundation, Memorial Military Museum, Morgan Stanley, TransMedics, Veloxis, and Bauer.
Thank you to everyone who attended, gave, sponsored, donated, volunteered, and helped make this special evening possible. We are so grateful.
The Eversource Hartford Marathon
was a great success!
Our hearts are completely full and our legs are sore, but our incredible Donate Life Connecticut team did it! Every mile run and every step taken represented a story of hope, honor, and second chances. We hit the pavement not just to race, but to shine a light on the life-saving power of organ and tissue donation, and spread absolute joy simply being together.
We want to give a massive congratulations and the most heartfelt THANK YOU to our 17 phenomenal team members who poured their energy and passion into this race (AND our amazing race volunteers!):
Alex R. • Beverly F. • Cora S. • Danielle W. • Eileen T. • Geraldine L. • Holly B. • Jennifer L. • Karen S. • Lauren T. • Megan S. • Michael L. • Michael S. • Nicholas P. • Owen S. • Paula Ruth K. • Peter D.
We are beyond honored that you chose to represent Team Donate Life Connecticut. Whether you crossed the finish line with a personal record or simply ran to honor a donor, a recipient, or a loved one, we could not be prouder of your incredible accomplishments and your generous spirits. Thank you for running with purpose, inspiring everyone around you, and showing Connecticut what hope looks like in action!
From a “Funeral Suit” to a Celebration Suit
Featured Blog Post
Don Caldwell - Liver Recipient
When Don Caldwell bought a new suit while his health was failing, he joked to his wife that it looked so good she could bury him in it.Today, Don calls it his Celebration Suit.
After receiving a liver transplant in April 2023, Don was given something he could never take for granted: more time. Time with his wife and family. Time to welcome new grandchildren. Time to build friendships within the transplant community. And time to discover a new purpose.
While recovering in the hospital, Don made a promise to honor his donor by paying that legacy forward. Since then, he has embraced what he calls “Don 2.0,” volunteering with Donate Life Connecticut, connecting with people before and after transplant, supporting caregivers, and sharing his story with healthcare professionals and others who need to understand what organ donation makes possible.
His Celebration Suit has become a symbol of a life he once was not sure he would have the chance to live.
Learn more about the types of organ donation and the organs that can be transplanted.
Living donation is an opportunity to save a life while you are still living. Learn more here.
Myths and misinformation exist around organ donation. Learn the facts here.
Transplants offer patients a new chance at healthy, productive, normal lives.
Meet some organ recipients..
More than 1,000 people in Connecticut alone are awaiting a life-saving organ donation. They may be your neighbors or co-workers. View the video below to hear how lives have been changed and people just like you have been given a second chance at life.
Request a Speaker
Donate Life Connecticut representatives and volunteers are always willing to speak about donation. There are many appropriate ways to discuss donation in a public setting, such as during:
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elementary, middle school, or high school classes
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teacher's conferences
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driver's education classes
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religious group meetings
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staff meetings
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civic and service group meetings
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health fairs
If you are interested in having a DLC representative speak at your event, please contact us. Thank you.
VISION.
This volunteer-based coalition believes that working together with a common voice is the best way to reach the goal of increasing the donor registry, which will inevitably impact the number of transplants that give new life and hope to people suffering from fatal illness or life threatening injury.
MISSION.
Donate Life Connecticut is dedicated to the purpose of public education and awareness for all Connecticut residents concerning the lifesaving benefits of organ and tissue donation and increasing the number of registered donors.
Connecticut Donation Statistics
Time Frame | Total Organs | Deceased Organs | Living Organs |
|---|---|---|---|
2025 | 976 | 639 | 337 |
2024 | 561 | 497 | 64 |
2023 | 501 | 398 | 103 |
2022 | 455 | 366 | 89 |
2021 | 491 | 410 | 81 |
2020 | 390 | 308 | 82 |
You too can save lives. Register to be a donor today!
