For the last fifty years, since 1974, National Volunteer Week has been the perfect opportunity to recognize the impact that volunteer service has. The power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges and needs help to build stronger communities. It also is an act of compassion that truly has the power to transform our planet. During each April, ‘Global Volunteer Month,’ is the perfect time to take a pause and recognize the many volunteers Nevada Donor Network relies on.
Our volunteers are also known as, “Advocates for Life.” A perfect name for the many types of work they do which gives back to our mission. From educating our community about organ, eye and tissue donation to sharing the story of how donation has impacted their life at a hospital education, there are endless possibilities when it comes to the ways they support our mission. Every year, we ensure that we shine a light on the people who inspire us to continue to serve our mission and help us make it happen! We recognize and thank them for lending their talents, time and voices, which makes a bigger difference than they could ever imagine. One conversation at a community event could change someone’s entire outlook on organ, eye and tissue donation. This is just one powerful exampleof the important work they are doing.
One of our special Advocates for Life that we would like to introduce you to is Dianna. She has a special connection to our mission! Dianna served as a Nevada DMV trainer for 16 years where she facilitated their New Hire Academy in Southern Nevada. Nevada Donor Network is always one of the guest speakers. The reason why her support was so important? Over 99% of registrations come from a DMV office nationally. Nevada Donor Network truly considers our Nevada DMV offices to be our frontline. They are the first part of our mission to save and heal lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. Dianna reminisces about her team leading these academies and remembers how the Nevada Donor Network team not only educated her students about organ, eye and tissue donation, but also brought special connect to purpose speakers such as courageous donor families and grateful organ transplant recipients to share their lived experiences, which touched everyone’s hearts.
When Dianna retired over a year ago, she decided to join Nevada Donor Network’s Advocate for Life team. She volunteers her time by giving back to a cause she is passionate about. Dianna has completed a variety of tasks, but sewing ‘HERO’ into the tiny capes that are placed on comforting teddy bears has become something she truly enjoys doing. Monthly, she completes a batch of these capes for Nevada Donor Network’s family services team. These teddy bears also contain a heroic donor’s heartbeat for their loved ones to listen to whenever they are missing them. This powerful memento is something that is extremely special. Dianna also continues to encourage Nevadans to become registered organ, eye and tissue donors. She truly feels honored to be able to use her skills to give back in this way!
Inspired to use your special gifts with Dianna? Join our Advocates for Life here!