MemorialCare and Miller Children's Hospital Honor Organ Donors During National Donate Life Month

Honoring the Selfless Gift of Life: A Tribute to Organ Donors

In a heartfelt ceremony held on April 16, 2026, MemorialCare's Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital united in a powerful tribute to honor organ donors as part of National Donate Life Month. Through the collaboration with OneLegacy, they raised the Donate Life flag, a symbol of gratitude towards those who generously choose to donate organs, thereby saving countless lives across Southern California.

The event was more than just a flag-raising; it was a moving gathering that included caregivers, community members, and representatives from OneLegacy, all coming together to reflect on the profound impact organ donations have on families and communities. Opening the event, a blessing was shared, followed by poignant reflections from healthcare professionals and advocates who spoke powerfully about their experiences with organ donations and the lives changed through these selfless acts.

Among the speakers was Eva Perez, a distinguished ambassador for OneLegacy and an advocate in the Long Beach community. Eva shared her personal story of loss regarding her son, Hernán, who chose to be an organ donor. His decision not only honored his memory but also became a beacon of hope for others, saving multiple lives after his passing. Her emotional recount highlighted the ripple effect one individual's decision can have, encouraging attendees to consider registering as organ donors.

The ceremony served as a reminder that organ donation is a deeply personal and impactful choice, reflecting the ethos of MemorialCare. Joan Romero, Executive Director of Emergency Department and Trauma Critical Care at Long Beach Medical Center stated, “Each donation represents a family’s love and a story that embodies hope and compassion.” This sentiment resonated throughout the event, as attendees engaged in honor walks, a ritual acknowledging potential donors and their families during their most difficult times.

The statistics shared during the event caught the audience's attention: the Long Beach Medical Center recorded 13 organ donors, 20 tissue donors, and 12 ocular donors last year. These generous acts resulted in 41 organ transplants, improving the lives of over 1,550 individuals. This success underscores the critical need for more registered donors as over 100,000 people nationally await life-saving organ transplants.

The urgency of donations was emphasized during the ceremony amidst the backdrop of National Healthcare Decisions Day, which coincides with the event. This day fosters informed decision-making regarding healthcare preferences, including organ donation discussions among families before crises arise.

MemorialCare has made significant strides in facilitating organ donation registration. Patients can now conveniently sign up as organ donors directly through their MyChart patient portal. This registration is securely stored in the National Donate Life Registry, ensuring it is accessible should the individual move to another state while maintaining confidentiality from healthcare professionals.

In conjunction with prioritizing organ donation awareness, MemorialCare offers free advance directive forms in multiple languages to ensure clarity and understanding surrounding these vital decisions. The initiative is designed to encourage all voices in the community to engage in conversations around organ donation and advance care planning.

As the event concluded, attendees were encouraged to not only register as donors but also to talk openly with family members about their wishes. By fostering a culture of discussion about organ donations and healthcare preferences, the hope remains to increase the number of donors and, ultimately, save lives.

MemorialCare continues to demonstrate their commitment to this profound cause, aiming to inspire others to recognize the transformative power that comes from the selfless act of organ donation. For individuals inspired by the event, further information and registration can be obtained through Donate Life.