This article was inspired by PanCAN’s Nicolas Clifford ‘s article Taboo Topics: When Cold, Dark Days Get You Down – Pancreatic Cancer Action Network It can happen at any stage of the transplant journey. Waiting for a life-saving call. Recovering from surgery. Adjusting to medications, appointments, and a “new normal.” For many patients and families, transplant brings hope, but also stress, uncertainty, and emotions that can feel difficult to name. If any of this feels familiar, you are not alone.…

Nearly 16 years ago, Shelley Snyder accepted what she once described as her dream job: leading Donate Life Kentucky Trust. It was a role shaped not just by professional ambition, but by personal experience. From an early age, Shelley saw the impact of donation firsthand. Her father became a donor in 2001, and her mother received the gift of life through tissue donation years later. Those experiences quietly shaped her understanding of what donation means for families, and ultimately guided…

The Law Behind Donation: What Is the UAGA? Organ, eye, and tissue donation in the United States is guided by the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA). It may sound technical, but its purpose is simple. This law has been in place for decades and continues to guide how donation works today. The U.S. System Is “Opt-In” – What That Means In the United States, donation is not automatic. You are only included in a donor registry if you choose to…

National Donor Day is a special time to honor the incredible generosity of organ, eye, and tissue donors. Their decision to give creates second chances, restores health, and brings hope to families when they need it most. Today is about celebrating that love – and helping it grow. If you’re wondering how to take part, here are meaningful ways to share the love on National Donor Day and beyond. 1. Post and Share on Social Media Here are graphics to…

At Donate Life Kentucky Trust, we are honored to work alongside the OPO and heroic families who give the greatest gift of life during the worst days of their lives. Our Donor Family Support Program was founded to provide limited assistance to donor families after donation has taken place. These funds are never considered prior to authorization. It is important to clarify that the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), including Network for Hope, has no control over these grants. All requests…

Thank you to our sponsors: Courtesy Cadillac Enterprise Fleet Management Gman Emblem, LLC Geiger Powers Paper Company Stephen & Sharon Ernst Living Trust Nancy Farrell honoring J.L.E.Mike Lutz FamilyIndependence Bank Get ready for one of the most exciting and meaningful days of the spring racing season & Donate Life Month! Donate Life Kentucky Trust is heading back to Millionaires Row 4 at Churchill Downs for our signature race day fundraiser on Thursday of Derby Week, and it’s an experience you…

Our vision is bold: a world where no one dies waiting for a transplant and every donor hero’s legacy is honored. We know that if everyone registered as an organ, eye, and tissue donor, the waiting list would be drastically reduced – and lives would be saved. That future begins with building trust & increasing public education. The Donate Life Scholarship Program was created to recognize students who are doing more than learning about donation – they are leading the…

We are proud to share that Shelley Snyder, Executive Director of Donate Life Kentucky Trust, will serve as Chair of the Advisory Council for Donate Life America in 2026, helping guide the organization’s national leadership and strategic direction in the year ahead. With this role, Shelley will also serve as an ex-officio member on the Donate Life America Board of DirectorsThe Donate Life America Advisory Council is a national body of experienced leaders from across the organ, eye, and tissue…

In 2025, Kentuckians came together in powerful ways to save lives, support families, and strengthen our donation and transplant community. Here are five moments that defined the year. 2025 Impact Report. Top 5 Impact Wins of 2025: 1. 75,000+ New Donor RegistrantsMore than 75,000 Kentuckians joined the donor registry for the first time, choosing to give hope and healing to others across the Commonwealth. 2. 50+ Children Supported During their Transplant JourneyWe supported children, from 7 weeks to 18 years…