Donor Network West Celebrates Their Living Donor Hero and VP of External Affairs and Strategic Partnerships
Donor Network West Celebrates Their Living Donor Hero and Vice President
Donor Network West celebrated living organ donor and Vice President of External Affairs and Strategic Partnerships, Luis Mayen with a send-off event ahead of being honored at the New Year’s Day Rose Parade® on December 16th.
(SAN RAMON, CA) DECEMBER 16TH, 2024 – Luis Mayen, living donor hero and Vice President of External Affairs & Strategic Partnerships was selected by Donor Network West to walk alongside the Donate Life Float at the 136th Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. In his honor, a multitude of his colleagues and friends joined together for a special send-off event that took place on Monday, Dec. 16th at 11 a.m. at Donor Network West’s Bishop Ranch location.
In January 2024, Luis made the courageous decision to become a living organ donor, and after months of tests and evaluations, his selfless act was made possible. Luis donated one of his kidneys to a woman living over 2,500 miles away in New York. His donation was altruistic, which he views “purely as a Gift of Life” to a dialysis patient in dire need of a second chance.
Kidneys account for the majority of organ transplant waitlists, with approximately 85% of all people in the U.S. organ transplant waitlist needing a kidney. The wait for a kidney transplant can range from 3 to 5 years or longer in some cases.
Luis hopes his recipient is doing well and hopes to learn more about her one day, as their stories are now inextricably connected through his incredible decision and gift. “This person gets a whole new lease on life, and I would love to write to her, giving her my well wishes. I’m curious to know how she’s doing and feels.” said Mayen.
The 2025 Donate Life Float theme is “Best Day Ever” which celebrates life’s best moments. The float’s design features a vibrant scene inspired by the beloved Japanese celebration of Children’s Day. The colorful koi fish represent strength, courage and health – all of which encapsulate the journey of Luis Mayen, who courageously participated and completed the inaugural Donor Network West Foundation Run/Walk in Fresno this year.
“I know that there are living donors out there with similar experiences to mine that have questions, alongside individuals who are interested in living donation. I’ve had the honor of walking three people through the process of living donation this year, and I feel so fortunate to continue educating communities and representing living donors everywhere.” said the honoree.
The Donate Life Float is considered to be the world’s most visible campaign to inspire viewers to save and heal lives by registering to become organ donors. Luis will be one of eight living donors honored at the Rose Parade.
Luis is one of the eight walkers this year, and for the very first time Donor Network West has the honor of sending one of our own team members as an honoree. We’re so proud to have Luis not only representing our organization but promoting the life-saving power of living donation.” said Dr. Janice Whaley, President and CEO of Donor Network West.
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Donor Network West has helped facilitate the recovery of every life-saving organ in northern California and northern Nevada for over 35 years. The federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization is dedicated to helping provide people with a second chance at life through organ, eye and tissue donation for transplantation and research. To learn more and to join the organ donor registry, visit DonorNetworkWest.org and follow us on social media: @mydnwest.
Donor Network West Media Contact:
Stephanie Ruvalcaba | Director of Marketing
[email protected] | (925) 536-9348