The powerful impact of organ and tissue donation was celebrated on April 23, 2025, as Donor Alliance teamed up with St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado, for a moving flag-raising ceremony to honor those who gave the gift of life.
A Tribute to Heroes
The flag-raising ceremony, held in observance of National Donate Life Month, was an emotional moment for the community, reflecting the deep gratitude for those who made the selfless decision to donate their organs and tissue. As the flag was hoisted, it symbolized the enduring legacy of these donors, whose actions have saved thousands of lives.
St. Mary’s Regional Hospital has seen an outpouring of generosity from donors in recent years. In 2024 alone, the hospital reported 16 organ donors and 66 tissue donors, with their donations positively impacting nearly five thousand lives. This data underscores the profound and wide-reaching effect of donation, with families, friends, and entire communities feeling the ripple of this life-saving gift.
A Family’s Heartfelt Story
One of the most poignant moments of the ceremony was the recognition of Tanner Denton, a 23-year-old who tragically passed away in 2016. Tanner made the courageous decision to be an organ donor, and his decision has had a profound impact. His organs saved two lives, while his tissue donation improved the lives of nearly two hundred individuals.
His mother, Allison Vogel, was present at the event, and her words conveyed the deep emotional toll of losing her son while also expressing the hope that Tanner’s decision to donate had brought to many. “This has been my support from losing my son, meeting people through this organization, meeting families like our family, and I have even been fortunate enough to meet one of Tanner’s kidney recipients,” Vogel shared.
Allison’s story is a testament to the powerful and lasting impact of organ and tissue donation. Despite her grief, meeting those whose lives were saved by Tanner’s gift has brought her some solace and a sense of connection.
The Local Need for Donations
While National Donate Life Month honors donors, it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for organ and tissue donations. As of 2025, more than 1,300 individuals in Mesa County alone are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. The demand for donations continues to grow, and local hospitals, like St. Mary’s, are working tirelessly to bridge the gap between supply and demand.
The statistics are sobering: In the United States, there are over 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list. This growing list highlights the urgent need for more people to register as organ donors, a simple yet life-changing act that can make a world of difference for those in need.
The Power of Community and Hope
What makes National Donate Life Month so impactful is its ability to bring together communities in remembrance and action. Events like the one hosted by St. Mary’s are not only a way to honor those who have passed but also an opportunity to educate and inspire those who are still undecided about becoming donors. The ceremony’s message was clear: one donation can change the course of multiple lives.
Families of donors like Tanner Denton find comfort in knowing that their loved ones continue to make a difference even after death. As Allison Vogel eloquently expressed, “Seeing how much Tanner’s organs, eyes, and tissue have impacted the lives of others has given me hope and happiness in my darkest moments.”
With more people like Allison sharing their stories, awareness around organ donation continues to spread, offering hope and bringing communities together for a common cause — saving lives.
