Last week on Spotlight On Maryland, Gina Crash was joined in studio by Adam Falzarano, Communications & Marketing Supervisor at Infinite Legacy, and Pam Stern, Donor Mom and Heart Transplant Recipient, to talk about National Donor Day this Saturday, February 14th and the Donate Life Family Fun Run coming up Saturday, April 4th at Camden Yards Sports Complex.
Infinite Legacy is an organ procurement organization serving Maryland, Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. Infinite Legacy partners with hospitals, transplant centers and communities to facilitate lifesaving organ and tissue donation, support donor families with compassion and educate the public about the ongoing need for registered donors. Adam spoke about their mission and about how listeners can take action here in the Baltimore area.
Pam Stern has been impacted by organ donation from both sides-as a donor Mom and a heart transplant recipient. She shares her story as well as her son Zach's story. Zach was a registered donor and helped 57 people through donation of his liver, kidneys, lungs, heart valve, arteries/veins, bones and skin. Zach died suddenly at age 26 in August 2020. Shortly after the heartbreaking loss of her son, Pam found herself in need of a heart transplant. She beautifully tells their story of grief paired with pride and purpose.
February 14th is not only Valentine's Day, but National Donor Day. National Donor Day is important to our community because there is an ongoing need for organ donors in our area-4,000 in Maryland and Metro DC.
Infinite Legacy has an event coming up this Spring that celebrates donors and transplant recipients, the Donate Life Family Fun Run on Saturday, April 4th at Camden Yards Sports Complex. It's open to runners, walkers and supporters of all ages and encourages community participation and teams including Team Zach. Register now at donatelifefunrun.org.
For more information about Infinite Legacy and how to become an organ donor, visit infinitelegacy.org. You can also follow them on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Click the media player below to listen to the interview and find out more.