The definition of volunteer is a person who voluntarily r expresses a willingness to undertake a service. Many people who volunteer do not realize that this action can make an immeasurable difference in other people’s lives. Using your time to serve others is a selfless way to give back, but can also impact your emotional, mental and physical health in a positive way. It truly is the smallest acts of kindness that create the most change in our lives. We encourage individuals who are grateful transplant recipients, heroic donor family members, professional partners, supporters of our mission and more to join our Advocates for Life team. Bringing awareness to organ, eye and tissue donation has a direct impact on saving and healing lives. Currently, there are over 100,000 Americans in need of a lifesaving organ transplant including nearly 700 Nevadans. One conversation at a community event can inspire someone to become a registered donor hero. When one person says ‘YES’ to being a hero, they can save the lives of eight others through organ donation and heal or enhance the lives of 75 or more through tissue donation. The number of lives you can touch simply by sharing your donation related story is endless.
One powerful example and inspiration of this is a man named Eric Millette. He is an Advocate for Life with Nevada Donor Network and a heroic donor father. Eric’s journey began when he lost his son, Brandon, to suicide in 2021. Brandon Millette came into the world with his own agenda on November 29, 2005. Brandon was in a hurry and did not even give the doctor time to arrive. He was an amazing young man who enjoyed being goofy, joking and laughing. There was not a time that Little B would not take an opportunity to make others smile. Brandon was kind, loving and would light up a room with his genuine personality. As a great conversationalist, he had no fear of communicating and speaking with all types of people. Brandon enjoyed all of his family's adventures and loved cooking with them. He also enjoyed playing his saxophone for Reno High School and gaming with his friends. Brandon was taken from his family too soon and their adventures will never be the same. Brandon was able to give the ultimate gift through tissue donation when he passed away.
Eric volunteers his time with the Nevada Donor Network, where he helps raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation in Nevada. This newfound purpose in Eric’s grief journey has brought him a significant amount of healing. View his story and why volunteering matters to him!
Inspired by Eric’s journey? Volunteer with the Nevada Donor Network’s Advocates for Life by applying here!