News08.2021

Lifesharing saves 19 lives in 48 hours

In an extraordinary display of generosity, Lifesharing organ donors saved 19 lives in a period of just two days. From August 5–7, 2021, our organ team managed six donor cases simultaneously — the number they typically see in a two-week period.

There was no medical reason for the high number of cases; we were able to save lives simply because six families said “yes” to organ donation.

During this 48-hour period, Lifesharing nurses found matching recipients for 19 organs, including hearts, kidneys, lungs, and livers. Our surgical coordinators then worked tirelessly to ensure each organ stayed healthy on the journey to the recipient.

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News06.2021

Lifesharing wins 2 Emmy Awards for film honoring organ donors

Lifesharing was a double winner at the 47th Annual Emmy Awards 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.

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News01.2021

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, the 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 donor families and the phenomenal support of 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 were 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.”

Stories01.2019

Lifesharing to honor North County Hero Dad in 2019 Rose Parade

Lifesharing, the federally designated organ donation group in San Diego, is proud to honor Everardo Martinez on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float. The float features organ donors from all over the country – Martinez will represent the San Diego area on behalf of Lifesharing.

Born in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, Mexico, Everardo Martinez was a devoted husband and father. His smile lit up the room and his big heart showered the world with love. For 20 years, he put that love into every meal he cooked as head chef at Lourdes Mexican Food Restaurant in Escondido. (The restaurant is known for its chicken soup.)

In the spring of 2016, Martinez suffered a fatal aneurysm. As a registered organ donor, he saved the lives of 3 people when five of his organs were transplanted — including his loving heart. His wife Adriana says, “My husband was an amazing human being – loving, caring. He wanted to make a difference and he truly did. He impacted so many lives with his gift of life. And he leaves that legacy for us to continue.”

Stories07.2018

Donate Life Night at Petco Park – July 30th, 2018

Thank you to the San Diego Padres and all our lifesaving partners

Lifesharing, the federally designated organ donation group in San Diego, was proud to partner with the San Diego Padres for the 5th Annual “Donate Life Night” at Petco Park on Monday, July 30th. David Abbott, 10, threw out the honorary first pitch in memory of his younger brother, Will Abbott. Will was a young Padres fan who became an organ donor at the tender age of four. His heart, liver and kidneys saved the lives of three children and one adult. Will’s story has struck a chord with many people, and his family was interviewed by NBC 7 that evening. Click Here to Watch.

Lifesharing was proud to stand on the field with dozens of medical and professional partners — including the San Diego Eye Bank and transplant teams from UC San Diego Health, Sharp Memorial, Scripps Green and Rady Children’s Hospital. Lifesharing is grateful to the San Diego Padres for helping us raise awareness about organ and tissue donation.

Here’s why organ donation is so important:

California has the longest waiting list at 21,000+
2,000+ people in the San Diego area are waiting for an organ
One person can save 8 lives through organ donation and heal 75 others through eye and tissue donation. Register to be a donor at https://register.donatelifecalifornia.org/register/

Lifesharing is a Donate Life organization, coordinating all organ and tissue donations in San Diego and Imperial counties.