Celebrating National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month
August 1, 2025
August is National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month
New Mexico Donor Services joins the national effort this August to recognize National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month, honoring the diverse donors and families who save lives through organ, eye and tissue donation—and raising awareness about the need in multicultural communities.
Why Multicultural donation matters?
Across the U.S., 60% of those on the transplant waiting list are from multicultural backgrounds, with roughly 23% identifying as Hispanic. In New Mexico, that need is even more pronounced: 50% of those waiting for a lifesaving transplant are Hispanic, and one in four of those on the waitlist are Native American. Latinos are also more likely to suffer from diabetes, heart disease, and obesity at disproportionately high rates, putting them at risk for organ failure. Additionally, Native Americans experience one of the highest rates of end-stage renal disease, which leads to kidney failure and the need for a transplant. Because transplant outcomes improve when organs are matched within the same ethnic group, increasing donor registrations in diverse communities is essential to saving more lives.
Stories of resilience, advocacy, and the gift of life
We are proud to honor the stories of donors and recipients in the multicultural communities whose legacies continue to make a difference.
Nicolas Ochoa – Donor Hero
In life, Nicolas was a sweet young man who loved with all of his heart and always helped people in need. He was an only child and was showered with affection by his family. When he got his driver’s license, he checked YES to being a donor, wanting to save lives if something ever happened to him.
Just ten days before his 16th birthday, Nicolas selflessly gave the gift of life. He donated his liver, kidneys, corneas and tissue to help save and improve the lives of countless others.
Leimomi Mabanta – Waiting for a kidney
Leimomi is one of the 92,000 patients waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant in the United States. She learned that she would need a new kidney in 2022 and has been on dialysis ever since. She recently learned it may take five years to wait for her to receive the gift of life. Still, Leimomi approaches each day with a positive attitude that her hero is out there.
“When you donate and you’re a donor, there’s a possibility that more than one person can be saved. They can have a far better life than sitting in a chair waiting for something to happen, waiting for destiny and for something to come to you.”
– Leimomi Mabanta
Jonathan Ford – Heart Recipient
Jonathan Ford had always been busy as an athlete, coach, and entrepreneur while maintaining his career in Silicon Valley. In 2015, life took a turn when he was diagnosed with TTR amyloidosis, a genetic illness that causes heart failure. Within a year of his diagnosis, he had to leave the industry in which he spent more than 30 years. Fortunately, a donor hero came to Jonathan’s rescue by giving him the gift of life in March 2018. Today, Jonathan is an active Donate Life Ambassador, honoring his donor hero and encouraging his community to consider donation by sharing his incredible story.
“I’ve been blessed with a second chance on life, and I need to give back in whatever small way I can.”
– Jonathan Ford
How you can help
Whether you are Hispanic, Native American, Black, Asian, or multiracial—you can save lives. Here’s how to make an impact:
✅Register as a donor at www.registerme.org or when you renew your license.
✅Talk to your family about your decision.
✅Share your story to inspire others in your community.
✅Follow and share New Mexico Donor Services on social media.
If you are a person of color, you can help save lives in your community. Now is the time to register as a donor and share your decision with others. New Mexico Donor Services encourages everyone to have the conversation and consider registering as a donor. A simple “yes” can bring hope and healing to someone in need. Take a deep dive into more multicultural donor and recipient stories from New Mexico here.
