Queens Borough President and LiveOnNY Host Historic Ceremony for Organ Donors

Historic Flag Raising Ceremony to Honor Organ Donors

On April 28, 2026, a pioneering flag-raising ceremony took shape at Queens Borough Hall, co-hosted by LiveOnNY and Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. This event marked a historical milestone, being the first of its kind throughout Richards' administration, as flags were raised not only to honor organ donors but also to shine a light on the significance of organ donation awareness.

The Ceremony Unites Community

This remarkable gathering brought together transplant recipients, donor families, and supportive community members, creating a poignant atmosphere that acknowledged the lasting legacy of organ donor heroes. Held in one of the most diverse boroughs of New York City, this event stressed the necessity to engage communities from all walks of life in the conversation about the life-saving impact of organ donation.

The ceremony featured speeches from notable figures, including LiveOnNY's President and CEO Leonard Achan, who shared heartwarming testimonies from families affected by organ donation. Among them was Salvatore Lopizzo, a liver transplant recipient, and Wajana Pagan, a daughter whose mother made the noble decision to donate her organs. Their stories illustrated the profound impact of organ donation on families and individuals.

A Message of Life and Hope

President Richards emphasized the importance of the gift of life, remarking, "There is no gift more precious than the gift of life. That is why my office and I are proud to mark National Donate Life Month, promoting awareness along with LiveOnNY at Queens Borough Hall. I encourage everyone to consider signing up to be an organ donor."

Achan echoed these sentiments, affirming that the flag raised in Queens represents not just one community but the collective voices yearning for the chance to live at their fullest. “Every ’yes’ carries the power to save lives,” he stated, underscoring the urgency to raise awareness and encourage individuals to register as donors.

Recent statistics indicate a noteworthy increase in participation from Queens residents, with the borough witnessing a doubling in the acceptance of organ donations and a 45% rise in transplants carried out across the nation in just five years. This progress reflects a positive shift toward understanding the value of organ donation within the community, demonstrating the power of awareness campaigns like this one.

LiveOnNY’s Commitment

LiveOnNY has been instrumental in this mission, as a federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) founded in 1978, committed to transforming lives through organ and tissue donation. Partnering with over 100 hospitals in the region, they offer vital support throughout the donation process, ensuring families and recipients have the resources they need. Their efforts have resulted in an impressive 85% increase in organ donations over the past five years, highlighting the growing acceptance and enthusiasm towards organ donation in New York City and surrounding regions.

As observers of the flag-raising ceremony left with a renewed sense of hope, they were reminded of the critical message: every person has the power to impact another's life profoundly by simply saying 'yes' to becoming an organ donor. LiveOnNY and the Queens Borough administration are dedicated to both recognizing existing heroes and inspiring new ones, building a legacy of compassion and generosity across communities.

Embodying the spirit of unity, the flag now waves above Queens Borough Hall, serving not just as a symbol of recognition for current donors, but as a call to action for all residents to join a movement of kindness, solidarity, and life-saving generosity.