LifeLink Foundation

We are LifeLinkers for life. https://lnkd.in/dmSWfZGi

Orville Allen lived a lifetime of service, and when he died at age 98 he had one last thing to give: his liver. He is now the oldest American to ever donate an organ. His gift of life went to a 72-year-old woman. 💙

Mel Santiago lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, but complications began when he was around 25, and led to kidney failure. Mel began dialysis in 2009 and his health began to deteriorate. Dialysis became more and more difficult, and Mel even considered stopping treatment. Just as he was losing hope, Mel received the lifesaving call for a kidney/pancreas transplant. Recovery has not always been easy, but Mel continued to push forward, “I promised myself then that I would never quit, ever again.” Mel honors his donor and the gift he’s been given every chance he gets. Since his transplant, Mel’s family has grown. He and his wife now have three sons, and Mel enjoys spending time searching for shark teeth, a new hobby the family picked up at the beginning of the COVID - 19 pandemic. Mel hopes the family of his donor understands how much he appreciates the selfless decision that was made. To them, he says, “You gave me another lease on life. Something that I wasn’t expecting and something I’m so blessed to have.” 📸: Barbara Banks Photography #FacesofTransplantation

Jason Lynch, Director of Risk Management, is celebrating his 5-year anniversary with the LifeLink Foundation. 💙 When asked why he’s proud to be part of the LifeLink mission, Jason says, “LifeLink is a fantastic organization with a huge heart and a drive to perform at the highest levels possible. I’m proud to have been part of such an amazing team over the last 5 years to help fulfill our life-saving mission in the communities we serve.” Thank you for your commitment and dedication to organ, eye and tissue donation, Jason. Congratulations! 🎉

Last week, members of the LifeLink of Florida Public Affairs team volunteered their time at Metropolitan Ministries to serve some of our most vulnerable neighbors by serving food to residents and staff and helping out at the Bloom Again thrift store. 💙 Proceeds from Bloom Again helps fund Metropolitan Ministries' initiatives such as food programs, family counseling and job placement services. #GivingBack #ShareHope

We are profoundly grateful to the 76 donor heroes and their families who chose to save lives in May. Through their selfless decisions, 263 life-saving gifts were recovered. Each donor is a true hero and leaves a legacy of compassion and love. 💙💚

Last month, LifeLink Tissue Bank personnel attended the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) and Wound Healing Society (WHS) in Orlando, Florida. 🩺 This was the first time LifeLink Tissue Bank had an exhibit at the meeting! 🙌 The booth provided an ideal space to meet new contract partners, distributors, and clinicians to discuss our RegeneLink™ Amniotic Membrane. Director of Research & Development, Hyun Ju Lim, Ph.D. presented a poster exhibit that highlighted the hard work the Research and Development team has done on the RegeneLink™/RegeneCleanse™ process. 🎉 Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth! 💙💚

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. Originating in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth is a vital reminder of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward equality. African Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population but make up 28% of those waiting for an organ transplant. This #Juneteenth, consider becoming an organ donor. Your decision can save lives and bring hope to those on the transplant waitlist. Register, motivate others, and help raise awareness. Together, we can make a difference. https://lnkd.in/eP49TUDK

Samuel Maritato, Family Care Coordinator/Hospital Development First Responder, is celebrating his 5-year anniversary with LifeLink of Florida. 💙 When asked what this milestone means to him, Samuel says, "Five years at LifeLink have been incredibly meaningful to me, I am proud to be part of a team dedicated to such a vital mission, where our collective efforts bring hope and healing to families in need." Thank you for your commitment and dedication to organ, eye and tissue donation, Samuel. Congratulations! 🎉

Did you know in 2023 there were 891 lives saved thanks to the generosity of 340 organ donors in the LifeLink of Florida service area? Thank you to those who have said "YES" to giving the gift of life. 💙💚 #DonateLife