2024 Impact Report

Highest Number of Organ Transplants in 2024

Setting a new record for organ donors! (77)

WNY said “Yes” to Donation in 2024

107 WNYers and their families said “yes” to organ donation, authorizing them to be used for lifesaving transplants.

Warren’s Heart Story in February

After nine long years on the transplant waiting list, Warren finally got the call he was waiting for in 2023. There was a match from a selfless donor for a heart transplant. "My name is Warren Lowe. I am 61 years of age, but approximately one year old in transplant years,” he told ConnectLife staff.

Donate Life Month in April DONORS ARE SUPERSTARS

Don't forget that #DonorsAreSuperStars. We took some extra time throughout April to look up at the stars and reflect on all of the donor heroes and their families who have saved lives through organ donation. If you have not done so already, talk with your friends and family about your wishes to be an organ donor and one day save lives.

ConnectLife Tribute Wall in May

A permanent web display recognizing organ, eye, and tissue heroes and their lifesaving and life-healing gifts is now online. If you would like to leave a message for your loved one visit ConnectLife.org, click About Us and then select Tribute Wall.

Birth Tissue Month in May

We brought Birth Tissue Month BACK! Each day, we shared a new birth tissue baby whose donation helped to impact and heal up to 100 lives. It is an incredible gift new moms and their babies can give.

Pride Saves Lives in June

On Sunday, June 2, 2024, a group of ConnectLife staff and family represented our organization and mission at the Buffalo Pride Parade. Spreading the word that no matter who you are or who you love, you have the power to save lives through organ and blood donation.

2nd Annual Platelet Promise in June

A successful month to educate potential platelet donors, find new ones, and offered some extra recognition to the ones already giving of themselves so generously.

Staff Appreciation Day in June

Our first gathering post-pandemic, and we heard from donor families, donor recipients, and other welcomed guests that left employees feeling inspired to continue the mission. We look forward to our next Staff Appreciation Day in 2025!

Volunteer Appreciation in June

ConnectLife participated in over 165 community outreach and speaking opportunities across the eight counties of WNY. As a thank you, we took volunteers to a Bisons game!

Danny Gare & Friends Golf Tournament in July

It was another great day at the 9th Annual Danny Gare & Friends Golf Tournament. A huge success as it turned out to be a fun day of golf with great weather on a beautiful course. As one of ConnectLife’s largest events, all $79,990 worth of proceeds went to fulfill our mission to educate the community, inspire donation, and connect lives. As always, we took the time to recognize the donors and their families who have said yes to donation.

In August of 2019, Unyts rebranded to ConnectLife a brand that better represents who we are and how we help our community.

Majority of New Yorkers are Now Registered Organ Donors

This is an incredible milestone. Did you know that New York has the third-highest number of patients on the national transplant waiting list: around 8,000 people? When more people register as donors, it gives hope to those waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. A special thank you to New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, New York State Health Department, and our other partners across our state who help spread the word everyday about the need for registered donors.

Hannah Strong Blood Drive in August

Hannah was able to meet THREE of her platelet and double red cell donors at her "Hannah Strong" blood drive. That's the amazing thing about donating at a community blood bank - your donations go to local patients in need.

Gift of Life Garden Event in October

A ceremony to honor our organ, eye, and tissue donors, and to dedicate the Gift of Life Garden inside Delaware Park. The Garden is a place for all donor families, transplant recipients and the community to gather in remembrance of those who have given the gift of life.

Eye Donation Month in November

It was great to highlight our Eye & Tissue Department! "What is your favorite thing about your job?" Here's what they had to say...

Expanded Birth Tissue Donation in November

We launched a pilot program that extends birth tissue eligibility to include vaginal birth tissue donation. The first one to recover was in November! This expansion means that even more local moms will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Mark Simon Retired in December

Mark Simon, former president of ConnectLife, retired at the end of 2024 after a remarkable 27-year career with the organization. His tenure was marked by significant contributions to the growth and success of the organ procurement organization and community blood bank. Thank you for all that you have done over the last 27 years, Mark!

Liver Donation in December

Meet the incredibly selfless Sandy Flash, a WNY native! She donated a portion of her liver to the adorable Sonny, who was diagnosed with biliary atresia shortly after he was born, meaning he would need a liver transplant to survive.

Visit ConnectLife.org to make an IMPACT today!

1 organ, eye, and tissue donor can save or enhance the lives of up to 75 people.

1 blood donor can save up to 3 local patients at Western New York hospitals.

Through birth tissue donation, 1 birth tissue donor has the potential to heal up to 100 lives.

1 person can play a vital role in supporting ConnectLife’s mission.