During February we celebrate Black History Month by honoring those we serve and sharing our appreciation with supporters of our mission. Whether you are a courageous donor family member or a partner who makes our mission possible, we are thankful for all that you do and have done. This is also a valuable time to share more information about the importance of multicultural communities registering as organ, eye and tissue donors. While organs are not matched based on race and/or ethnicity, there are certain genetic markers we each carry that allow us to be someone’s perfect match. Currently, over 108,000 Americans need a lifesaving organ transplant and over 29,000 of them are from the African American community. Join us in celebrating Black History Month!
One way we celebrated was sharing the stories of three community partners who support our mission. Our team takes pride in diversity and believes donation has no boundaries. Nevadans of all races register to be organ, eye and tissue donors. They make second chances at life possible. Our community partners are truly who make our the gift of life and healing possible!
Meet Executive Director at the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Kelvin Watson.
He is an integral part of our partnership which brings awareness to organ, eye and tissue donation. Under Kelvin’s leadership, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is supporting our mission by providing education to adults and children about donation. He shared, “Throughout my career in librarianship and public service, I’ve been driven by a simple belief; institutions like libraries exist to strengthen communities and improve lives. I’ve had the privilege of leading library systems across the country, and in every role, collaboration has been essential to creating meaningful impact. Our partnership with Nevada Donor Network reflects that same philosophy. By working together, we’ve been able to use the library’s trusted presence and broad reach to help share critical information about organ, eye, and tissue donation through the Howl the Owl children's books available at all of our branches. It’s incredibly meaningful. Supporting Nevada Donor Network’s mission aligns with the values of the Library District, compassion, education and service. Knowing that our efforts can help raise awareness and potentially save lives is deeply humbling. Libraries are about more than books; they’re about connection, hope and opportunity. Being part of a mission that quite literally gives people a second chance at life is something I’m very proud of, both personally and professionally. Registering as a donor is a generous and impactful decision. One donor can save and heal multiple lives, offering hope to families who are waiting for a miracle during some of their most difficult moments.”
Meet Dalisa Steward, Operations and Programs Manager at the Urban Chamber of Commerce.
In her role with the Urban Chamber of Commerce, Dalisa focuses on building partnerships, strengthening our community and supporting businesses. That work has given her the opportunity to collaborate with Nevada Donor Network on education and outreach. She helps share information about becoming a registered organ, eye and tissue donor along with its lifesaving and healing impact. Nevada Donor Network’s mission is meaningful to Dalisa both personally and professionally. On a personal level, someone very close to her received a lifesaving kidney transplant, and she remembers how scary and uncertain that time felt. Dalisa believes these types of experiences change your perspective and helps you realize how real the impact of donation is. It is not abstract; it is futures being protected, and loved ones sharing memories they never thought were possible. That is why Dalisa is grateful for organizations like Nevada Donor Network and why she feels supporting our mission matters. Dalisa believes registering as a heroic donor is one of the easiest ways to make an incredible difference. She believes that you never know how your decision could impact someone else’s life. Dalisa feels there is nothing to lose by registering, but everything to gain by potentially saving or healing someone in need. Dalisa encourages you to become an organ, eye and tissue donor today by learning more because you may be the reason someone gets a second chance.
Meet LaToya Bembry, Vice President of Strategic Communications at The Ferraro Group.
She shared, “In my role, I oversee public relations strategy, media relations, client relations, media training, presentation training, community outreach initiatives, advertising campaigns, crisis communications, event planning and social media strategy. I have had the privilege of partnering with Nevada Donor Network since 2014, supporting its communications and community engagement department. Over the years, I have worked alongside their team to help elevate awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation across Nevada and amplify stories that inspire people to say “yes” to donation. Supporting Nevada Donor Network’s mission is deeply personal for me. I lost my uncle while he was on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, and my aunt experienced kidney failure due to complications from lupus. I have seen firsthand how devastating the wait can be and how urgent the need truly is. Within the Black/African American community, we are disproportionately impacted by conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and lupus, all of which can lead to organ failure. For me, supporting this mission means helping to educate, dispel myths and encourage more honest conversations in our community about organ, eye and tissue donation. Representation matters and increasing the number of registered Black donors can directly impact the likelihood of matching and saving lives within our own families and neighborhoods. Every Nevadan should consider registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor because one decision can save and heal multiple lives. While some communities are disproportionately impacted by organ failure, the need for donors transcends race, ethnicity and background. We all can be someone’s miracle and what an incredible legacy that can be. It only takes a few minutes to register, but the impact can last a lifetime. I encourage you to have the conversation with your family and say “yes” to donation!”
Inspired by the ways they give back to our mission? Learn more about being our community partner here!