Tennessee Donor Services

02/24/2026

We recently had the privilege of speaking with HOSA students at McMinn Central High School about organ, eye and tissue donation!

In addition to learning about the donation process, students had the opportunity to hear a transplant story from Donate Life Ambassador and liver recipient Harry Dillon. 💙💚

Special thanks to HOSA instructor Jennifer Estes for the invitation and for her longtime advocacy for the gift of life!

Make the lifesaving decision today. Register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at DonateLifeTN.org.

02/24/2026

"I am a donor mom. I donated my son’s organs after he died from a traumatic brain injury he sustained in an automobile accident.

I had no knowledge of organ donation and transplantation prior to his death, but the organ procurement team nurse helped me through the process, and my son's organs improved the lives of several folks waiting, including an 11-year-old boy.

In addition to being a rainbow in someone’s cloud, meeting his heart recipient helped me through my grief process." – Carolyn Fletcher, honoring her son, Jerrell.

It only takes one decision to change lives forever. Register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at DonateLifeTN.org.

02/23/2026

Meharry Medical College graduate and Tennessee pediatrician Dr. Willie Mae Hubbard's life and career nearly came to an end when a rare autoimmune disease threatened her life.

Because of the selfless act of organ donation, she is healed and using her second chance to continue serving young patients and encouraging all Tennesseans to register as organ donors, especially within Black communities.

Read more about Dr. Hubbard's transplant journey in the Tennessean at https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2026/02/23/this-doctor-wants-more-black-tennesseans-to-become-organ-donors/88786963007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z115220p003250c003250v115220d--65--b--65--&gca-ft=169&gca-ds=sophi

02/23/2026

Donate Life Tennessee Ambassador Lisa Boullt and TDS External Affairs Coordinator Trisha Lopez joined Gallatin High School students Charlotte, Ashlynn, Leah and Colton at Rucker Stewart Middle School to share the importance of organ and tissue donation with eighth graders last week.

The students, members of Gallatin High School’s HOSA chapter, are preparing to compete in the Community Awareness category at the Tennessee HOSA Leadership Conference in Chattanooga, choosing organ and tissue donation as their focus topic. 💙💚

We are proud to support these students as they use their voices to inspire awareness, education and lifesaving conversations in our communities!

02/23/2026

As an athlete, coach, entrepreneur and longtime Silicon Valley professional, Jonathan Ford built a life defined by movement and momentum.

In 2015, everything changed when he was diagnosed with TTR amyloidosis, a rare genetic disease that leads to heart failure. Within a year, Jonathan was forced to step away from the industry he had dedicated more than 30 years to.

But in March 2018, a selfless donor hero gave Jonathan a second chance at life by generously donating his heart.

Today, Jonathan honors his hero's lifesaving gift by being a Donate Life Ambassador, sharing his story to inspire others and encouraging his community to register as organ, eye and tissue donors.

Help save lives today. Register to be a donor today at DonateLifeTN.org.

02/20/2026

We are honored with the distinct privilege of working alongside Meharry Medical College President and CEO Dr. James Hildreth to address the disproportionate need for transplants in communities of color.

Through our TDS-Meharry Medical Student Research Experience, we offer medical students the opportunity to shadow all aspects of the donation process to gain a deeper understanding of donation and transplantation.

As we prepare to welcome our third cohort this summer, we look forward to seeing them progress in their medical careers and become donation advocates in the communities they serve.

We all play a role in saving lives. Register to be an organ, eye and tissue donation at DonateLifeTN.org.

02/19/2026

"Sakeita Zandelea Jones, born July 29, 1993—affectionately known as Keita—was a beautiful soul with warm brown eyes that reflected the depth of her compassion and love for others.

Although Keita transitioned at the tender age of seven, she lived with an open heart, always willing to give and always thinking of someone beyond herself.

Through her selfless gift as an organ donor, Keita’s legacy did not end with her transition. Instead, her light continues to shine through the lives she touched and the lives she helped enhance.

Donation transformed profound loss into purpose, offering hope, healing, and renewed possibilities to others.

I am forever proud of my donor angel. In her honor, I proudly share Keita’s story to inspire reflection and action. One decision—made with love—can save lives, heal families, and create a legacy that lives on forever." ~Melissa Lane, Keita's mother

Be a hero like Keita. Register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at DonateLifeTN.org.

02/18/2026

Chattanooga native Adam Cowan started his kidney transplant journey nearly 12 years ago.

After receiving his lifesaving transplant in 2023, Adam was determined to become an advocate for donation among Black patients, who are significantly more likely to experience organ failure.

Read the full WTVC-TV NewsChannel 9 News article at https://newschannel9.com/news/local/arc-chattanooga/its-freedom-the-realities-of-black-healthcare-through-the-eyes-of-a-chattanooga-native

According to the national institute of health, survival rates for black recipients for a kidney are generally lower than those for white, hispanic, or asian rec

02/18/2026

Donor Heroes make the selfless decision to be a light of hope and healing to those waiting for lifesaving transplants every day.

We are honored to celebrate their heroic legacies.

Donor Tribute: Benjamin "Ben" Adler

"My brother, Ben, was a teddy bear heart in a linebacker’s body. He was so funny and so eager to give his all in anything he did. He unfortunately passed in late August of 2025 and was fortunately registered to be an organ donor. His heart, liver, lungs, kidneys and some tissue were able to save multiple lives all across the country, which speaks volumes to the type of person Ben was. He was selfless and wanted to be friends with everyone. I love you, Ben."

Give the gift of life. Register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at DonateLifeTN.org.

It's Extraordinary:One organ donor can save eight lives. One tissue donor can improve the lives of 75 or more individuals.

02/18/2026

We're celebrating Black History Month on Connections! ❤️💚💛🖤

On this segment, Dr. Beau Kelly, Sierra Donor Services Surgical Director, joins us to discuss his career as a transplant surgeon, disparities in access to medical care and how we can work together to create a more equitable future in donation and transplantation.

This episode of Connections is also available on your favorite podcast platforms!

02/17/2026

As we celebrate the beginning of Ramadan, we honor a time centered on reflection, compassion and community.

Islam is among the many religions that support donation, viewing it as a final act of love and generosity to those in need.

"It is our humanitarian obligation as Muslims to save lives if we can via organ donation, no matter what religion or race the recipient is." ~Akram Keval, Interfaith Council of Elk Grove President

Serve your community today. Register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at DonateLifeTN.org.

02/16/2026

Thank you to CommonSpirit - TN & GA - Memorial for sharing Olivia's story and honoring the incredible legacy she left behind.

We could not be more grateful to work alongside your staff to honor our donor heroes and make the gift of life possible for countless recipients and their families each day. 💙💚