New England Donor Services

12/01/2025

In 2015, shortly after graduating from college, Olivia was diagnosed with heart failure and was told that she would need a heart transplant. Today, Olivia shares her story to encourage others to register their decision to be a donor.

“Shortly after graduating from college, I began experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath, and pain with eating or exertion. Despite always being active, I was struggling to workout and didn’t feel myself. I was urged to go to the hospital by my employer and learned I was in heart failure. Within days, I was told I needed a heart transplant, and by the end of that week, I had an LVAD, my “Chad the VAD”, implanted to keep me alive.”

“The device allowed me to regain strength, return to work, and wait for my transplant. After one “dry run” in November 2016, I received my real call while living on Martha’s Vineyard. I caught the last ferry of the night to the mainland and received my heart transplant on December 1, 2016.”

“As my physical health improved, I struggled with the emotional weight of receiving someone else’s heart. After years of wondering, I was finally connected with my donor’s family in January 2025. I learned that my donor was a 23-year-old woman named Nora, who was kind, intelligent, compassionate, and deeply devoted to children and animals. She also struggled with addiction, and her passing is the reason I am alive today. Through email, I was able to connect with both of her parents, and I am forever grateful for the conversations we shared. ”

“After recovering, I felt compelled to give back to the community that had supported me. I earned my EMT certification, worked for two island EMS services, and fell in love with emergency medicine. That passion led me to become a volunteer firefighter and, eventually, a nationally certified paramedic. I’ve also remained involved with New England Donor Services and the American Heart Association, sharing my story and supporting their work. I have returned home to Martha’s Vineyard and was recently accepted to a nursing program. I can’t wait to take Nora with me on this next chapter. Everything I do, I do with and for her.”

Thank you, Olivia, for sharing your story!

11/25/2025

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, New England Donor Services joined Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, State Representative Patricia Duffy, MA RMV, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and other local representatives to discuss the importance of organ donation and to “Give Thanks” during Thanksgiving to those who register as a donor.

NEDS volunteer Elizabeth Gorman shared her story as a double lung transplant recipient, who received the Gift of Life two years ago. NEDS volunteer Glen Wiley also shared his story as a liver recipient. Mike Messer, the father of two children who received kidney transplants, including his son Mark, who is District Director for State Senator John Velis, also shared their story.

Thank you to the City of Holyoke and Mayor Garcia for your support of NEDS’ donation mission!

11/25/2025

Wendy Reich has been a Family Services Coordinator (FSC) with New England Donor Services for almost a year and was nominated by the management team for Superstar Spotlight for doing great work with us every day! Wendy became interested in NEDS because of NEDS’ impactful work, mission, and reputation. Her background as a therapist focusing on crisis intervention, grief, and loss made the FSC role a natural fit. Wendy’s role is to meet with families in difficult moments to have thoughtful and sensitive conversations. “It’s a privilege to be present with families in some of their most difficult moments and witness the generosity of our donor families. It’s such an honor to be a part of healing and saving lives.”

“I enjoy that no two days are the same in this role. It is truly inspiring to observe the hope created for others by these families despite their pain. I am extremely grateful to Dan Miller, Bianaca Esquivel, Steven Averhart, and all my family services team members who support and inspire me with their bright light on a daily basis.”

Thank you, Wendy, for all that you do as an FSC!

If you are interested in joining New England Donor Services, visit neds.org/careers!

11/24/2025

Looking for change in 2026? Want to know more about an exciting career path here at NEDS? Then check out NEDS’ very own Organ Surgical Recovery Coordinator, Mike Tilly as he show’s what it is like to prepare to assist surgeons as they recover organs at a local New England hospital.

Saving lives through organ and tissue donation is the mission uniting our employees and driving the work we do. We are currently interviewing candidates for this amazing career! Apply with us today at https://neds.org/careers-overview/

11/24/2025

Lynn Moore's husband, Chris, became a tissue donor after his passing in March of 2023.

“Early into the day on March 6th, I got the call from a lovely, kind woman from New England Donor Services about donation. I had asked the hospital about organ donation, but they indicated that it wasn't possible given Chris's organ condition after his death. What I learned from the New England Donor Services representative who called me and what made his death "easier" to accept was the possibility of giving his tissue, eyes, and bone to someone who could use them and live on, honoring his legacy.”

“Chris and I were/are both organ donors after checking “yes” at our local DMV. This helped make the decision to honor him through donation an easy yes. Knowing that helping others was what he wanted brought me peace and comfort, knowing I was honoring his wishes. Chris was a kind, loving, thoughtful man. Helping others was important to him. I know Chris would have been happy to know that something good came out of his very long illness and the comfort it brought me following his passing.”

“After Chris became a tissue donor and the information I learned from New England Donor Services, I wanted to get involved and help others going through similar situations. I recently retired and decided to become a NEDS Volunteer to meet other donor families and recipients and to do what I can to help raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation, specifically educating others about tissue donation. Thank you, NEDS, for helping me honor Chris in such an impactful, meaningful way, letting his legacy live on.”

Thank you, Lynn, for sharing Chris’s story and for becoming a volunteer with NEDS.

11/20/2025

This week, NEDS Volunteer & Manchester DMV Ambassador, Deb Johnson, received a Certificate of Appreciation along with a DMV/Donate Life Challenge coin at the NH DMV Manchester branch! Deb began her monthly visits to the office a year ago and, in the past year, has built a wonderful relationship with the Manchester DMV team!

Thank you, NH Division of Motor Vehicles, for recognizing Deb!

11/20/2025

Karina Valdovinos’ son, Christopher, tragically died after a car crash two years ago. After his passing, Christopher was able to save 5 lives through his gift of organ donation. Christopher was honored along with many other New England donors at NEDS’ Dia de los Mu***os event with the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History earlier this month. Karina recently spoke with CT Insider about the celebration and how “A little piece of him still continues to live in this world.” Read the full story below. Done Vida New England

The mom of Christopher Ramirez, of Port Chester, spoke at an event in Hartford honoring organ donors who saved others.

11/19/2025

At 101 years of age, Michigan WWII hero Chuck Leman – a Battle of the Bulge survivor, POW, and lifelong giver – made one final act of selfless service by becoming a tissue donor upon his passing. His gift of skin donation will help heal up to 75 people. Chuck’s son Chris says his father's quiet kindness left an unforgettable legacy.
"He was somebody who I think a lot of people respected for his quiet wisdom. This is just another example of dad giving quietly. He was a great example for us."

There’s truly no age limit to saving lives. Register as an organ & tissue donor today at RegisterMe.org. Gift of Life Michigan

A World War II veteran and former prisoner of war has become a hero once again — this time through organ donation at the remarkable age of 101.

11/19/2025

“Kyle passed away on January 11th, 2020, at the age of 29. That day, he saved three lives, and that day, four families' lives changed forever. Kyle was a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, and a father to a beautiful daughter. He was a skateboarder, a skydiver, and a cook. Living life on the edge was his way of life. He was a friend to many; his generosity never ended, and he helped so many in countless ways. Kyle was a drug addict, and it was something he fought for a long time. He did get sober! He was truly living his best life, attending meetings, living in and managing sober living houses, and doing what he needed to do.”

“Until he didn't. He had a catastrophic brain bleed due to his drug use. If only he could have loved himself as much as we all loved him, he truly would have lived forever.”

“Our entire family are organ donors. Kyle's Nana was a nurse for over 40 years and made sure we all knew how important it is and made sure we all became donors.”

“Kyle was taken from us far too soon, and the hours leading up to meeting with NEDS were something I wouldn't wish on anyone. But when we were approached at the hospital to make decisions as to what would be happening within the next few hours, I felt like we were met with compassion and respect by New England Donor Services. We were able to be in charge of every decision: when and how it all took place, and at our pace. I cannot thank you all enough for that.”

“Kyle is breathing air in Ohio now. He gave the gift of breath to my "lung-man" and his wonderful wife. We have not physically met but have been in touch, and we all feel so very blessed to have been able to be in contact. Kyle was also able to donate both kidneys to two different gentlemen. I pray for them daily, as we have not been in contact, but it's okay. We know what it means to them & their family.”

“Kyle wasn't here for a long time, but the time he was here mattered to so many. We miss you, Red.”

- Love, Kyle's family

11/18/2025

Over 30 Team New England members gathered Saturday for their first in-person planning meeting to participate in the Transplant Games of America in 2026. Past team members welcomed new members, and everyone signed the Transplant Games of America flag, which will travel to other teams throughout the U.S. in the coming months. The flag will be present at the Games being held June 18 - 23 in Denver, CO! Transplant Life Foundation

Interested in joining Team New England fill out our Team Interest Form here: https://ow.ly/GQY750XtwqQ

11/17/2025

This month marks 10 years since NEDS volunteer and US Army veteran Glen Wiley received his liver transplant! Since his transplant, he has become an active volunteer for NEDS and shares his story all over New England to encourage others to register their decision to become a donor. “It was just that realization that the only reason I’m here is because someone died. That was when I knew I had to give back,” Glen shared with the Daily Hampshire Gazette. Read more of Glen’s story and why he volunteers with NEDS below!

GRANBY — Just after Vietnam veteran Glen Wiley thanked the guest speaker of MassMutual’s 2015 Veterans Day breakfast and escorted her to the door, he heard his phone ring. It was the transplant center at Massachusetts General Hospital calling about a possible match for his liver. Wiley tested po...

11/15/2025

Check out these amazing pumpkins from Hartford Hospital and NEDS’ annual donation and transplant pumpkin decorating contest in recognition of liver awareness month last month! The 2 winning pumpkins pictured came from the Center 8 ICU and the Transplant team!