LiveOnNY's Painted Legacy Event Celebrates Organ Donors in the Bronx

Celebrating Life Through Art: LiveOnNY's Painted Legacy Event

In a heartfelt display of remembrance and honor, LiveOnNY hosted its largest Painted Legacy event in the Bronx, dedicated to recognizing the incredible contributions of organ donors. This gathering brought together families, transplant recipients, and advocates, creating a profound atmosphere of community and shared experiences.

The Painted Legacy initiative allows families to transform cherished photographs of their loved ones into beautiful paint-by-number portraits. These unique pieces of art serve not only as decorative items but also as living tributes to the heroes who have given the invaluable gift of life.

At the Bronx event, families from various backgrounds united, creating a space for reflection and connection. The event featured heartfelt stories where donor families and transplant recipients shared their journeys, emphasizing the positive impact of organ and tissue donation on lives across the region.

Leonard Achan, President and CEO of LiveOnNY, expressed the significance of such gatherings, stating, “This event is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact organ and tissue donors have on our communities. Painted Legacy allows families to honor their loved ones in a memorable, creative way, while also connecting with others who share similar experiences.”

The Bronx event marks the fourth occasion of the Painted Legacy initiative, following successful tributes in Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Each event is crafted to provide an intimate atmosphere where families can share, remember, and find solace in their collective experiences. The stories shared during the panels at the event highlighted how organ donation has transformed lives, providing hope and second chances.

Looking forward, Painted Legacy is set to continue into 2026, opening doors for more families across New York to take part in this movement of remembrance and gratitude. This initiative not only celebrates the lives of those who have passed but also fosters community bonds, encouraging discussions about the importance of organ donation and fostering a culture of giving.

LiveOnNY, a federally designated organ procurement organization since 1978, plays a vital role in this mission. Collaborating with over 100 area hospitals, it aims to honor, save, and transform lives through organ and tissue donation. The organization serves a diverse population of 13 million across New York City and surrounding counties, standing out as one of the nation's top-performing OPOs.

In the last five years, LiveOnNY has achieved an impressive 85% increase in organ donation, reflecting a growing awareness and commitment within the community toward this life-saving cause.

As we reflect on the stories from this inspiring event, it becomes evident that every portrait painted during Painted Legacy stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of love and sacrifice within the realm of organ donation. Through events like these, we not only honor those we've lost but also encourage a culture of organ donation that can save countless lives in the future. To learn more about LiveOnNY and its impactful initiatives, visit LiveOnNY.org.

Engaging in such creative acts of remembrance and celebration paves the road for more families to connect over shared experiences and highlights the continuous cycle of life and hope within our communities.