On Valentine’s Day, the city of Somerville hosted an event to promote organ and tissue donation, with support from local officials and New England Donor Services. The gathering highlighted the importance of registering as an organ donor, a decision that can save lives. Matt Boger from New England Donor Services emphasized that organ donation is rare, with only a small percentage of deaths occurring in a way that allows for donation. He encouraged people to register as donors when obtaining a driver’s license or online.
The event featured remarks from Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, who described organ donation as an act of love that can change lives. She also proclaimed February 14th as “Having a Heart and Giving a Heart Day” in Somerville, honoring the gift of life through organ donation. Boger shared that over 103,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for life-saving transplants, including more than 5,000 in New England.
Kenny, a heart transplant recipient, shared his personal story of receiving a life-saving transplant 24 years ago, allowing him to marry and have children. He now works for New England Donor Services, helping others. Susan Flint also spoke about her son Lucas, who tragically died in 2018 after a hit-and-run accident. Lucas had registered as an organ donor, and his organs saved five lives. Flint shared her ongoing connection with one of Lucas’s recipients, who now holds her son’s heart.
The event concluded with a call for others to register as organ donors and spread the message of love, hope, and life-saving generosity.
