Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center celebrates National Donate Life Month with flag raising ceremonies
April 2, 2024
Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is honored to celebrate National Donate Life Month (April) with the annual Donate Life flag-raising ceremony. In partnership with the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE), the ceremony was held to raise awareness about organ, tissue, and cornea donation, and to inspire all to register to be an organ donor.
“Our work at Conemaugh offers a second chance at life to those waiting for a lifesaving or life-restoring transplant," said Kris O’Shea, Chief Nursing Officer. “Donate Life Month is a perfect time to reflect on the difference that Conemaugh makes – not just as an organization, but that each of us makes, as individuals – in the donation process.”
This year’s theme for National Donate Life Month is titled “Donors are Super Stars.” It comes from the vastness of the night sky and the billions of stars illuminating it. Just as the stars shine through the darkness, the act of donation brings light to the lives of those in need.
The ceremony featured members of the Conemaugh team, CORE representatives, and special guests of the Johnstown and surrounding communities who have received or have family members who have received organ, tissue, or cornea donations.
Maria Sabrina Mezyk, a registered nurse in the operating room at Conemaugh Memorial, was among those who graciously shared her story of receiving tissue donations after her diagnosis of breast cancer and subsequent breast reconstruction. She also shared the story of her grandmother, the matriarch of her family, receiving a heart transplant nearly 17 years ago. She is still alive today.
Bambi Gailey, office coordinator of the emergency department, and her son Wesson, a three-time cornea transplant recipient, unveiled the Donate Life flag in the Atrium during the ceremony.
Conemaugh Nason Medical Center in Roaring Spring will host their flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday, April 2 at 10 am. Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center will host their flag-raising ceremony on Wednesday, April 3 at 1:30 pm. Conemaugh Miners Medical Center will host their flag-raising ceremony on Thursday, April 4 at 1 pm.
With more than 100,000 people awaiting transplants, organ donors can save the lives of 8 people and help nearly 75 others. Those interested in registering to become an organ donor can do so at RegisterMe.org/campaign/Conemaugh.