Lifesharing Wins 2 Emmy Awards for Film Honoring Organ Donors

Lifesharing was a double winner at the 47th Annual Emmy Awards Program on June 3, 2021. The Pacific Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences recognized Lifesharing for outstanding achievement in two categories: Video Essay and Branded Content. The film, “Remembering Our Organ and Tissue Donors for Día de los Muertos,” tells the story of the beautiful ofrenda (altar) that Lifesharing employees created in 2020 to honor recent donors. The stories of several heroes were also featured in the film. Lifesharing’s Public Relations Director Anne State received two statuettes for her photography and video editing on the film. Executive Director Lisa Stocks was also awarded a statuette for her role as producer. In their award acceptance speeches, both paid tribute to the profound generosity of Lifesharing’s heroes and donor families.

San Diego Organ Donors Honored for Donate Life Month

Observed every year since 2003, Donate Life Month is meant to encourage the public to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors. The monthlong celebration ends with “Donor Remembrance Day” — a tribute to those who have given the gift of life.

Lifesharing Helps Vaccinate Thousands at Petco Park

Lifesharing is proud to have been part of an amazing effort to keep the San Diego community safe from COVID-19. Our staffers routinely volunteered at the Vaccination Super Station from the day it opened until the day it closed. Lifesharing Executive Director Lisa Stocks served as Site Manager on several different occasions and our organ procurement nurses helped administer shots. Our tissue team and administrative staff helped run supplies, give directions and assist with other important tasks. As Lifesharing’s Clinical Supervisor Charles Wainaina explained, “The community at large has participated in organ donation. Basically, they have helped us save lives. So for us, this was a way of giving back to the community that has given us so much.” Our special thanks to UC San Diego Health, the Padres and the County of San Diego for spearheading this extraordinary health initiative.

Lifesharing Saves a Record Number of Lives During the Pandemic

Lifesharing team members created a memorial wreath to honor recent organ and tissue donors

Lifesharing saved a record 424 lives in 2020, successfully overcoming extraordinary challenges presented by COVID-19. Determined to carry out their mission, our team achieved two incredible milestones: a record 143 organ donors and a record 424 organs transplanted in a single year. These efforts were made possible by the amazing generosity of our donor families and the phenomenal support of our hospital partners. In addition to saving lives, Lifesharing also facilitated the donation of 66 organs for research and coordinated tissue donation for 455 individuals last year. To ensure the safety of the transplantation process, all organ and tissue donors are being tested for COVID-19. In announcing the record year, Lifesharing Executive Director Lisa Stocks told her staff, “This is unprecedented. The only way I can explain it is that the team persevered… I have so much gratitude in my heart for our staff, hospitals and families.”

Be Part of Lifesharing’s Memorial Rock Garden

Dedicated in early 2021, Lifesharing’s Memorial Rock Garden is a peaceful spot under the trees where donor families can place stones in memory of their loved ones. The small garden is located in front of our offices in Mission Valley for all to enjoy.

Lifesharing Organ Donor Honored in 2021 Rose Parade Celebration

One of Lifesharing’s heroes was recognized on New Year’s Day in a stunning tribute unveiled in Pasadena. Leia Parker, 2, was one of 21 organ donors memorialized on the 2021 Donate Life floral sculpture titled, “Community of Life.” The artwork was displayed on the lawn of the Tournament House and was the only floral installation in Pasadena this year, due to the cancelation of the Rose Parade. Leia’s floragraph, a portrait carefully crafted with seeds and coffee, was showcased in a vibrant honeycomb surrounded by fresh flowers and giant colorful bees. (The design symbolized the strength of community and the importance of working together, much like honeybees do.) This beautiful exhibit was a fitting tribute to Leia, a happy and bright little girl who loved mermaids and unicorns. Named after Princess Leia from Star Wars, young Leia was indeed a “rebel” — her parents nicknamed her General Leia because she “ruled” the Parker family home with joyous laughter. On Star Wars Day 2019, a swimming accident sent Leia to the hospital and, despite all efforts, her life could not be saved. Her parents donated her organs and she saved three lives when Lifesharing found matching recipients for her heart, liver and kidneys. Leia’s corneas were also donated, giving sight to two women. Through the gift of life, Leia gave each recipient a new hope…

The 2021 Donate Life Floral Sculpture Unveiled

Tribute to Lifesharing’s 2021 Rose Parade Honoree Leia Parker

News Coverage: 10News on 1/1/21