In 2024, nearly 900 lives were saved in Arizona through organ donations—the highest number ever recorded in a single year for the state. Despite this milestone, the need for more donors remains critical. To raise awareness, Donor Network of Arizona hosted its Donate Life Day at the Capitol, where donor families and transplant recipients shared their personal stories while advocating for increased organ donor registrations.
Among those speaking was Katie Sarten, a two-time liver transplant recipient. She received her first transplant at just six years old, allowing her to experience childhood, play outside, and grow up healthy. Years later, as an adult balancing illness with full-time work, she received a second life-saving liver transplant just before her 30th birthday. Katie expressed deep gratitude for her donors, saying there isn’t a day that goes by where she doesn’t think of them. She continues to honor their generosity, even keeping in touch with her first donor’s family through Christmas cards each year.
Organ donation remains a powerful way to save lives, and individuals can sign up to become donors at DonateLifeAZ.org. Each registration has the potential to transform multiple lives, providing hope for those still waiting.
