Carondelet Health Network has teamed up with Donor Network of Arizona throughout April in recognizing National Donate Life month, to build awareness about the ability of organ and tissue donors to heal and save lives.

There are nearly 1,212 people in Arizona waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant and there are 108,747 people on the national registry.

Last year at Carondelet Health Network, organ donors saved 56 lives, and improved the quality of life for many people, including restoring sight and healing through tissue donation.

To honor the generosity of donors and their families, Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital, Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital will hold ceremonies for raising the Donate Life flag. Staff will gather to honor the generous donors who have given the gift of life through organ, eye and tissue donation. Donor family members will share what donation has meant to them.

During Donate Life Month, we spotlight the critical importance of organ and tissue donation," said Monica Vargas-Mahar, Market Chief Executive Officer for Carondelet Health Network. "We pay tribute to the extraordinary generosity of donors and their families who have made the selfless decision to give the gift of life. It is a time to rejoice in the countless lives transformed and saved by these magnificent acts of kindness.”

In 2025, Arizona organ donors achieved a historic milestone, saving 1,083 lives through the generosity of 421 donors. These record-breaking efforts, managed by Donor Network of Arizona, resulted in 1,244 organs transplanted, marking a significant increase in impact and bringing the total to over 5 million registered donors in the state. Carondelet Health Network is proud to participate in Donate Life Month to honor the gift of donation and raise awareness about the benefits of donor registration.

"Flag raisings like this serve as a powerful reminder of the hope and healing made possible through organ donation,” said Rochel Franks, Donor Program Coordinator with the Donor Network of Arizona. “By registering as a donor, individuals have the opportunity to give the gift of life and bring hope to those waiting. We encourage everyone to make their decision known and join this life-saving mission.”

Arizonans can register for organ, cornea and tissue donation at www.DonateLifeAZ.org or by checking the donor box when applying for or renewing their driver license or state ID.

St. Mary’s Hospital
Flag Pole
Wednesday, April 1, 9:15 a.m.

St. Joseph’s Hospital
Chapel Courtyard
Thursday, April 16, 11 a.m.

Holy Cross Hospital
Flag Pole
Friday, April 17, 10 a.m.

About Carondelet Health Network

Carondelet Health Network is comprised of Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital, Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital, Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital, Carondelet Marana Hospital, Carondelet St. Raphael’s Emergency Center, Carondelet Neurological Institute, Carondelet Heart and Vascular Institute, as well as primary care and specialty physician offices. For more information visit www.carondelet.org.

About National Donate Life Month:
Let Life Sing! National Donate Life Month was established by Donate Life America and its partnering organizations in 2003. Observed in April each year, National Donate Life Month helps to encourage all in Arizona and across the country to register as organ and tissue donors and to honor those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.

About Donor Network of Arizona (DNA):
Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) fulfills the lifesaving and life-healing mission of organ and tissue donation as the state’s federally designated organ procurement organization. Our work is made possible by the generosity of Arizona donors and their families. As also an eye and tissue recovering agency, DNA collaborates with health care and community partners to facilitate the gift of life. DNA is a vital link to transplantation and encourages Arizonans to sign up to be donors at DonateLifeAZ.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram: @DonateLifeAZ