Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized nationally each year, September 15 - October 15. The observance honors the rich history and culture of Hispanic and Latin Americans in the U.S. whose ancestors derive from Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.   

Throughout the month, LifeLink of Florida focused on educating the Hispanic/Latino community about the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Unfortunately, multicultural groups such as Hispanics/Latinos suffer from diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and liver disease at higher rates than non-Hispanic whites which could put them at greater risk and lead to the need for a transplant. Nationally there are more than 24,000 Hispanic/Latinos awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant. Last year, more than 2,000 Hispanic/Latinos were deceased donors. 

Daymarelys was eating breakfast when she got the call she had been waiting for one year since being listed on the transplant waiting list for both a heart and liver. Thanks to the generosity of a donor, she lives her life to the fullest. Daymarelys is two years post-transplant and celebrates every birthday and holiday with renewed excitement. “I am blessed with a second chance at living. I have my family and friends with me and I enjoy every day like it’s the best day of my life.” Daymarelys hopes to inspire others to register as organ, eye and tissue donors by sharing her transplant story and volunteering with LifeLink of Florida.   

LifeLink of Florida serves culturally diverse communities in 15 counties in West Florida, many of which have large Hispanic/Latino communities of largely Cuban or Puerto Rican descent as well as Mexican and other Central American nationalities.  

  You can register to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor and provide hope to all patients currently waiting for a second chance at life by visiting www.LifeLinkFoundation.org. Don’t forget to share your donation decision with your family and friends.