Through a month-long series of events and promotions, Legacy of Hope (formerly the Alabama Organ Center) observes National Donate Life Month in April. The celebration – established by Donate Life America to promote organ donation – highlights the various perspectives of families and individuals touched by donation and transplantation.
Each year, Legacy of Hope plans various local National Donate Life Month (NDLM) promotions and events to provide education and raise awareness about the need for organ, eye, and tissue donation. Almost half of the U.S. population is registered as donors, but the number of patients in need still outpaces the available supply of organs and tissue. On average, 17 people die each day because the organs they need are not donated in time, and another person is added to the waiting list every nine minutes.
Fortunately, more and more people make the gift of life each year. In 2021, nearly 20,400 donors brought new life to organ recipients and their families.
Events, Themes, and Color Schemes
NDLM embraces a specific inspirational theme for its promotions each year. The 2022 theme is “Bee A Donor”, which reflects the vital role that bees play in sustaining life. Bees are a small but powerful life force, working together with dedication, collaboration, and a strong sense of community.
Blue & Green Day works to promote the Donate Life brand through color recognition. Legacy of Hope plans many promotions around National Blue & Green Day, a major NDLM event that encourages people to register as organ donors.
Donate Life Month Events & Activities
- UAB Donate Life Softball Game – Sunday, April 10, noon to 4 pm
UAB takes on Western Kentucky in the annual UAB Donate Life Softball Game. Support the Blazers and wear your blue and green in support of National Donate Life Month. - Blue and Green Day – Friday, April 22
Wear your blue and green, and share pics across social media. Tag photos with #LegacyofHopeAL. - Celebration of Life Picnic – Saturday, April 30, from 11 am to 2 pm
The annual Celebration of Life Picnic returns after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. This year’s picnic will be held at the UAB Campus Green, a new venue for this event. All transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, and supporters are invited. Click here for more details. - Donor Dash for Life 5K – Saturday, May 7 at Veterans Park in Hoover, Ala.
Registration begins at 8 am, and the race begins at 9 am. Register here for this fun 5K.
- Donate Life Alabama License Plate
Plates are available through the DMV and can be pre-ordered online and personalized. Each plate is $50, with $41.25 of the funds used to support public education about the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation.
Important Organ Donation Awareness Days
- Donate Life Living Donor Day – April 6
- Blue & Green Spirit Week – starts April 16
- National Pediatric Transplant Week – April 24-30
Click here to register as an organ donor, learn more about Legacy of Hope, and for information on getting involved with National Donate Life Month events.