Donate Life Archive — Page 1 of 2

A woman in a bright green ballroom dress dances with a male partner on a gymnasium floor; spectators and event signage are visible in the background.
July 1, 2026

Lived experience, elevated care: A nurse’s journey with kidney disease 

At age 30, she was diagnosed with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a genetically inherited condition. She is the fourth generation in her family to face it. And the first to survive it.   

By Kylie Avery
A woman stands at a podium beside a young boy, while a man claps behind them during a ceremony.
April 27, 2026

Donate Life Ceremony recognizes organ donors and their families

“This ceremony reminds us of the impact that one act of generosity can have on countless lives.”

By Matt Batcheldor
Tennessee license plate graphic promoting organ and tissue donation, with the words “DONATE LIFE Tennessee,” “DL,” the number “0000,” and “Be an Organ & Tissue Donor.”
July 11, 2025

Buying a new license plate could save a life — if enough people buy them

A portion of the funds will go to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation and fund statewide education and outreach for organ donation.

By Matt Batcheldor
Jimmy Sullivan talks about his family’s decision to donate the organs of his son, Asher, 10, following his death. (photo by Susan Urmy)
May 6, 2025

Donate Life Ceremony celebrates organ donors and their families

In addition to honoring organ donors and their families, the ceremony salutes hospital staff who care for donors and transplant recipients.

By Matt Batcheldor
Flags were set up on the plaza for Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Donate Life event. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
April 23, 2024

Events honor those involved in organ donation

Sixty-nine individuals donated their organs at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2023, and they and their families were saluted on April 17 at the annual Donate Life Ceremony.

By Matt Batcheldor
A woman standing beside a white-and-brown dog holds a floral sign reading “Thank you for the gift of life,” with a Donate Life logo.
September 21, 2023

Two miracles, four years apart

Kelly Harden’s life was saved by a lung transplant. Exactly four years later, she was saved again with a kidney transplant.

By Matt Batcheldor