News
Celebrating Multicultural Donor Awareness Month
July 31, 2026
One Vision to Save Lives
More than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. People from every race, ethnicity, and culture are represented on the national transplant waiting list, and many patients have a better chance of finding a compatible donor when donors come from diverse backgrounds.
This National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month, Sierra Donor Services – New Mexico invites everyone to learn more, talk with their loved ones, and consider joining the organ and tissue donor registry. People of color can help save lives in their communities. A simple ‘yes’ can bring hope and healing to someone in need.
Celebrating Legacy & National Action
National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month was created in 1996 by the National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP) and has grown into a collaborative national effort supported by:
- Donate Life America (DLA)
- Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO)
- American Kidney Fund (AKF)
- Health Resources and Services Administration
Stories of resilience, hope, and advocacy
We are proud to honor the stories of donors, recipients, and donation champions in the multicultural communities whose legacies continue to make a difference.
Jose Graciano – Double Lung Recipient
Every breath Jose Graciano takes is a gift. After battling COVID-19 for months in 2022, Jose went into respiratory failure. Doctors told him that a lung transplant was his only chance to survive.
At the same time, Raquel Colucci’s life came to a tragic end after she suffered a brain hemorrhage. Through her decision to become an organ donor, Raquel gave the gift of life to five people—including Jose.
Today, Jose and his wife, Anita, could not be more thankful for Raquel and her gift. They’ve even had the opportunity to meet Raquel’s family and share her story everywhere they go with a custom car dedicated to her selfless legacy.
Jess and Theresa Chairez – Donor Family
For 25 years, Donate Life Ambassadors Jess and Theresa Chairez have shared their son’s legacy of service and generosity.
Officer Joseph “Joe” Chairez became an organ donor after experiencing a brain aneurysm while on duty in 2000, saving four lives through the donation of his heart, lungs, liver and pancreas.
Frederick Jones – Donor Hero
Frederick Jones was a man with a heart of gold, a strong will and a desire to help.
He was inspired to register as an organ donor after his sister initially had trouble finding a kidney donor herself.
It was only eight years ago when Frederick fulfilled that lifesaving decision. At the age of 27, he was involved in a car accident that claimed his life but gave him one final opportunity to serve others.
He donated his kidneys, liver, heart, pancreas and corneas to save and improve the lives of those in desperate need of transplants.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Does registering as a donor change my patient care? Your life always comes first. Doctors work hard to save every patient’s life, but sometimes there is a complete and permanent loss of brain function. The patient is declared clinically and legally dead. Only then is donation an option.
- Does donation affect funeral plans? Funeral arrangements of your choice are possible, including a viewing. Through the entire donation process, the body is treated with care and respect, and the donor family is supported throughout the donation process.
- Does my religion support organ, eye and tissue donation? All major religions support donation as a final act of compassion and generosity.
- Does my social and/or financial status play any part in whether or not I will receive an organ if I ever need one? No. A national system matches organs from the donor with people on the waiting list based on blood type, body size, how sick they are, donor distance, tissue type, and time on the list. Race, income, gender, celebrity, and social status are never considered.
