Celebrating Second Chances: Honoring Organ Donors and Transplant Recipients at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s National Donate Life Month Event

The Gift of Life Donor Program and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center proudly announced a ceremony aimed at raising awareness for National Donate Life Month. In attendance were patients who have benefitted from organ donations, including heart recipient Patti Miletta and her mother Sarah Miletta, who both received heart transplants at the medical center due to a rare genetic mutation called idiopathic cardiomyopathy.

During the event, patients shared their stories and expressed their gratitude to their donors. Sarah Miletta, who received her heart transplant on April 1, 2023, pledged to honor her donor’s legacy by taking care of her new heart and living life to the fullest. National Donate Life Month aims to recognize the importance of organ donation, celebrate transplant recipients, and remember those who are in need of life-saving transplants.

According to Donate Life America, more than 100,000 people are currently on the waiting list for organ transplants, and sixteen individuals die each day while waiting for a transplant. Those interested in becoming organ donors can register online with Donate Life America to help save lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation.