PHOTO PROVIDED A Donate Life Flag is seen flying at UPMC Williamsport.

WILLIAMSPORT — UPMC Williamsport recognized National Donate Life Month with its annual Donate Life flag-raising ceremony, honoring organ and tissue donors and recognizing the lives saved through the gift of donation.

The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Heidi Weeder, BSN, senior clinician, ICU, UPMC Williamsport, and co-chair of the Organ & Tissue Donation Council. Christina Sarge, coordinator, Hospital Services, Gift of Life, followed with an overview of organ donation efforts and the Gift of Life Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge, highlighting the important role health care teams play in donation education and awareness.

“Organ and tissue donation reflects the very heart of our mission — compassion, respect and care for others,” said Teresa Conyers, chief nursing officer and vice president, Patient Care Services, UPMC North Central Pa. “Through our partnership with Gift of Life, we remain committed to supporting patients, families and donor heroes at every step of the journey.”

The program also included personal remarks from Ashley Zerby, a donor family member, who shared how organ donation created a lasting legacy following the loss of her young son and emphasized the profound impact donation can have on recipients and their families.

The event concluded with the ceremonial raising of the Donate Life flag, symbolizing hope and UPMC’s continued dedication to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.

National Donate Life Month is observed each April to raise awareness about the importance of registering as an organ donor. Thousands of people nationwide remain on transplant waiting lists and depend on registered donors for lifesaving care. To learn more or to register to become an organ donor, visit UPMC.com/DonateLife.