Every transplant has a story. Every story has a team.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
The Hotel Marcel | New Haven, CT | 6:00 PM
Honoring Our 2026 Transplant Hero Award Recipients
It Takes a Symphony to Make a Second Chance Possible
A transplant may happen in an operating room, but no transplant happens because of one person alone.
Behind every second chance is an extraordinary community of surgeons, physicians, nurses, transplant coordinators, social workers, donor professionals, caregivers, donor families, recipients, living donors, advocates, and supporters.
On Saturday, October 3, Donate Life Connecticut will bring this remarkable community together for The Symphony of Life, an evening of music, storytelling, celebration, connection, and hope.
Throughout 2026, members of Connecticut’s transplant community nominated the professionals whose expertise, compassion, advocacy, and leadership made a profound difference in their lives.
At the gala, we will celebrate all of our 2026 Transplant Heroes and present special Transplant Hero Awards to Dr. Dina Al Rameni and Dr. Hiroshi Sogawa. We will also celebrate our Volunteer of the Year, Dennis Thomas.
Different roles. Different gifts. One extraordinary community.
For 41 years, Donate Life Connecticut has been the heartbeat of organ, eye, and tissue donation awareness in our state. We educate communities, support donor families, celebrate the heroic recipients whose lives are transformed by the generosity of others, and honor the transplant professionals who dedicate their lives to this work.
Tickets are $150 per person + processing fee.
The Symphony of Life! Honoring Transplant Professionals.
Inspiring Hope.
Your Next Adventure Could Make a Difference
What if supporting Donate Life Connecticut could take you all the way to South Africa?
At this year’s Symphony of Life Gala, we are thrilled to offer an extraordinary opportunity: a six-night African Safari for two at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge in South Africa.
And this is not a traditional highest-bidder-wins auction item.
This safari package is available for $3,750, and multiple supporters can purchase it. In fact, three packages have already been reserved. Whether you join us at the Gala or support us from afar, you can take advantage of this remarkable opportunity.
The package has a stated value of $7,995 per couple and includes:
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6 nights of accommodations for two at the Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge or Tented Camp, based on availability
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Meals throughout your stay, including breakfast, lunch and dinner on full safari days
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Two guided game-viewing experiences per person, per day, with professional rangers in open safari vehicles
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Access to lodge amenities and the unforgettable wildlife and landscape of South Africa’s Zululand conservation region
An Extraordinary Trip. A Meaningful Impact.
This opportunity is truly a win-win. Your $3,750 purchase is split equally between Zulu Nyala and Donate Life Connecticut, meaning $1,875 from every safari package purchased directly supports Donate Life Connecticut and our mission. The partnership is structured as a 50/50 revenue share, and Zulu Nyala allows participating organizations to offer multiple safari packages.
Start planning the adventure of a lifetime while helping Donate Life Connecticut continue its work to educate, inspire, and save lives.
The package is valid for two years from the date of purchase, giving you plenty of time to plan your journey. Airfare and transportation to the lodge are not included. The package itself covers accommodations, meals, and game drives. Additional exclusions include travel insurance, beverages, optional excursions, gratuities, and personal expenses.
Start Dreaming. Come Ready to Bid.
Do you have additional questions, or are you interested in purchasing the African Safari Adventure? Please fill out the form below and a representative from Donate Life CT will reach out to you soon