April is Donate Life Month: How to Get Involved

April in Baltimore often brings a sense of renewal, but for many in the community, this month carries a much heavier, more hopeful significance. As National Donate Life Month unfolds, the city has seen a powerful intersection of grief and generosity, most notably at Camden Yards. While the area is typically synonymous with the roar of the crowd and the crack of a bat, it recently served as the backdrop for the 18th annual Donate Life Family Fun Run. This event isn’t just a race; it’s a localized manifestation of a global effort to save lives through organ, eye and tissue donation, bridging the gap between those who have lost loved ones and those who have been given a second chance at life.

The Human Impact of Organ Donation in Maryland

The narrative of organ donation is often told through statistics, but in Baltimore, it is told through stories like that of Demetrias “Dewey” Waters. Dewey was a young man defined by his humor and his passion for sports—specifically his love for the Baltimore Blasts—and video games. His life was tragically cut short following a car accident in April 2024. However, the legacy he left behind serves as a profound example of how a single decision made at age 17 can ripple through a community. When Dewey first received his license, he asked his grandfather what organ donation meant. After receiving an explanation, he made the conscious choice to say, “Yes, I want to do it.”

That decision translated into a lifesaving reality. Through his donation, Dewey was able to provide kidneys, a pancreas, a heart, and a liver, effectively saving four separate lives. For his family, including his aunt Molly Abbott, participating in the fun run at Camden Yards is a way to identify comfort and ensure that Dewey’s spirit remains present. It transforms a personal tragedy into a public service, highlighting the critical importance of registration and awareness.

The Role of Infinite Legacy in Local Outreach

Behind these stories is the work of Infinite Legacy, a Maryland-based organization dedicated to outreach, education, and donor family aftercare. The organization’s presence is felt across the region, from hospital lobbies to community events. Jecoliah Daniels, the director of communications and marketing at Infinite Legacy, emphasizes that the process of registering as a donor takes less than two minutes, yet the impact of that registration is permanent and potentially lifesaving.

The organization as well supports those navigating the grueling reality of organ failure. Consider the experience of James Harris, who suffered from stage 3 kidney disease. For Harris, life had become a cycle of being hooked to a dialysis machine three times a week for hours on end. This state of existence, as he described it, meant he “wasn’t really living.” The transition from that state of chronic illness to a renewed life is a central theme of the Donate Life initiatives in Maryland. Through the efforts of his wife, Denise Harris—who became an ambassador for Infinite Legacy after discovering the organization in her own hospital’s lobby—James was eventually able to find a kidney donor. In a testament to the power of community networks, a friend from James’ pool tournament community, Russ Redhead, volunteered to be the donor.

Navigating the Complexities of Transplant and Donor Support

The journey from needing a transplant to receiving one is fraught with medical, emotional, and logistical hurdles. In a city like Baltimore, which is a hub for medical excellence, residents have access to world-class facilities, but the psychological toll of waiting for a “miracle” can be immense. The synergy between living donors and deceased donors creates a comprehensive safety net, though both paths require significant support systems. Living donation, as seen in the case of Russ Redhead, requires a level of altruism and medical compatibility that is rare, while deceased donation relies on the foresight of individuals like Dewey Waters.

As we reflect on the importance of National Donate Life Month, it becomes clear that the infrastructure of donation is not just about the surgery itself, but about the community support systems and the educational outreach that demystifies the process. When people understand that donation is a personal choice—one that can be discussed with family members and decided upon during a routine DMV visit—the barrier to entry drops, and the number of potential lives saved increases.

Local Resource Guide: Professional Support for Donation and Recovery

Given the complexities of organ donation and the lifelong journey of transplant recovery, residents in the Baltimore area may find themselves needing specialized professional guidance. Whether you are a potential donor, a recipient, or a family member of a donor, navigating the healthcare system requires specific expertise. Here are the three types of local professionals you should prioritize:

Transplant Coordination Specialists

These professionals act as the primary liaison between the patient, the donor, and the surgical team. When seeking a coordinator, glance for those with documented experience in “living donor” protocols and those who provide comprehensive pre-transplant screenings. They should be able to explain the legal and medical requirements of the donation process clearly and manage the logistical timeline of the surgery.

Specialized Renal and Organ-Failure Caregivers

For those currently on dialysis or managing stage 3 kidney disease, specialized care is vital to maintain stability while waiting for a transplant. Look for providers who specialize in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and who have strong partnerships with regional transplant centers. Criteria for a top-tier provider should include a holistic approach to diet, medication management, and mental health support for the “waiting period.”

Grief and Bereavement Counselors (Donor Family Specialists)

The experience of losing a loved one while simultaneously navigating the process of organ donation is a unique emotional journey. It is essential to find counselors who specialize in “complicated grief” and have experience working with donor families. Look for practitioners who understand the specific psychological relief and conflict that can arise from the knowledge that a loved one’s organs saved others.

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