Brad and Judy Barroso, parents of donor hero Trevor Barraso, Shawntay and Malachi McBrewer, mother and son of heart recipient, Michael Coleman, DCI Donor Services Director of Communications, and Ms. Wanda, Host and Presenter of KDEE 97.5FM. Photo courtesy of Sierra Donor Services

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - In recognition of National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month in August, Sierra Donor Services (SDS), the leading nonprofit organ procurement organization serving Northern California dedicated to saving and improving more lives through organ and tissue donation, is spotlighting local advocates of color who are championing donation in the Sacramento region.

Across California, nearly 80% of the 20,000 people waiting for a life-saving transplant are people of color. Kidneys are the most needed organ among diverse communities, largely due to higher rates of conditions including hypertension, diabetes and kidney disease. While California reached a significant milestone earlier this year with 20 million residents registering as organ and tissue donors, donor registration rates remain disproportionately low in multicultural communities. Cultural beliefs, language barriers, historical and societal mistrust of the medical system, misconceptions about donation and limited awareness continue to contribute to this disparity.

“In 1970, my life changed forever when I became sick with autoimmune hepatitis, where my own body repeatedly attacked my liver. Twenty years later, I received the gift of life through a liver transplant that’s given me 36 more years and counting,” said liver transplant recipient Winnie Bender. “Because of the kindness and love of one organ donor and their family, I am alive and well 56 years after my “incurable” disease diagnosis. I try to live by the golden rule of “do unto others as you want others to do unto you,” and I’m so grateful my donor hero did, too.”

One organ donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of 75 more through tissue and cornea donation. Every new registration brings hope to patients awaiting a transplant and comfort to families who choose to become a registered donor. Every registered donor increases the potential suitable match, offering more hope to those waiting, especially from those of their own ethnicity or background.

“The doctors told me my son, Malachi, was having heart failure. This was the beginning of our five-month journey going through a life-changing situation,” said mother of heart transplant recipient Shawntay Gorman McBrewer, mother of heart transplant recipient Malachi McBrewer. “When he was given a second chance at life, we were filled with gratitude and want to thank those who made the ultimate decision to say yes to organ donation.”

Sierra Donor Services also recognizes multicultural community partner organizations that play a vital role in outreach, including Capitol City Black Nurses Association (CCBNA), Philippine Nurses Association California Capital City (PNAC3) and Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN).

About Sierra Donor Services

Founded in 1985, Sierra Donor Services is a federally designated, mission-driven nonprofit organ procurement organization (OPO) dedicated to saving and improving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. Serving over 5 million people across Northern California, Nevada, and New Mexico, SDS is part of a collaborative network of organ procurement organizations working to advance donation efforts across California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Tennessee. For more information or to register as a donor, visit SierraDonor.org.