Published by Kirby Winn on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 in News Releases
During April's Donate Life Month, ImpactLife is encouraging blood donors to learn about organ donation and consider joining their statewide organ donor registry. The blood center will participate in events and share information with blood donors on social media and in its Donor Center locations to honor organ donors and their families, celebrate transplant recipients who have been given a new life, and a shine light on the many more who are still waiting.
Many organ transplant recipients, patients such as Suzie Sturm, have received multiple blood transfusions while waiting for a transplant, during surgery, and in recovery. Suzie is an advocate for Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network who received a new liver provided by an organ donor in 2016. Suzie received numerous blood and platelet transfusions prior to surgery, totaling 140 units in all.
Today -- now 10 years following her transplant -- Suzie is an organ donation advocate and has been a participant in the Donate Life Transplant Games of America. As a swimmer, her motto is "Do It For Tom" to honor the memory of her donor. Learn more about Suzie's transplant and her experience in the Transplant Games, here.
Joining the Registry
Every year since 2002, April has been filled with stories to spread the lifesaving message of donation in order to inspire people to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors. Registering your decision to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor is the most effective way to ensure you can transform lives through donation and serves as a sign of hope for those who continue to wait. You can register to transform lives and learn more at www.bloodcenter.org/donatelife.
Blood Transfusions and Organ Transplant Surgery
During organ transplant surgery, blood transfusions are often required to ensure a successful outcome. Blood components from volunteer donors, such as red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, are vital for the body's proper functioning. Without an adequate supply of blood, the risks associated with organ transplant surgery significantly increase, potentially jeopardizing the patient's chances of survival.
Donate Life Month Partners and Events
Due to the strong connection between blood donation and organ transplant surgery, ImpactLife will send representatives to flag-raising events organized by Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network in Springfield, Ill. (April 2), Peoria, Ill. (April 7), and Bloomington, Ill. (April 8). The blood center is also working with Iowa Donor Network to raise awareness of blood donation and thank high school blood donors at upcoming blood drives held at Davenport Assumption High School (April 16) and at Linn-Mar High School (April 23).
About ImpactLife
ImpactLife's mission is to save lives by engaging donors, supporting partners, and advancing medicine. Founded in 1974, ImpactLife supplies blood products and services to more than 130 hospitals, emergency services organizations, clinical researchers, and other blood centers throughout Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri. The nonprofit blood provider is ranked among the leading 12 blood suppliers in the United States. For more information on current blood inventory levels, our donor promotions, and more, see www.bloodcenter.org and find us @impactlifeblood on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
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