The Donate Life flag was first introduced in 2006 and has since become a national symbol of unity, remembrance, and hope, honoring those touched by donation and transplantation. Over the past 16 years, more than 60,000 Donate Life flags have flown across America.

Looking ahead, National Flag-Raising Day will take place on April 10, with Donate Life Wisconsin providing flags to 50 hospitals and organizations statewide for local ceremonies. This event serves as another powerful reminder of the need for organ donations and will be part of the ongoing celebrations throughout the month.

"Donate Life Month is a time to celebrate transplant recipients and the profound change they experienced because of a decision to donate," said Colleen McCarthy, vice president of Versiti Organ and Tissue Donation.

On Friday, April 11, donor families, organ recipients, and community partners will gather at the Milwaukee Sail Loft as the Hoan Bridge is lit in blue and green for National Blue & Green Day.

As part of the ongoing celebrations, Versiti will also host the Cream City 5K at Greenfield Park on Saturday, April 26, in honor of Jesse Pagels, a double-lung transplant recipient and the founder of the run.

Wisconsin has been a leader in organ and tissue donation, with nearly 60% of eligible residents—3 million people—having said “yes” by registering as organ, tissue, and eye donors on Wisconsin’s Donor Registry. Anyone 15 or older can register as a donor, regardless of age, health, gender, ethnicity, or racial background.

At Versiti, we are deeply moved by the stories of courage, generosity, and hope shared by donors and their families. Every donor makes a profound difference—not just in the lives of recipients but also in the broader community, transforming lives and creating a lasting legacy of hope.

To all the donors and their families: Thank you. Your gift truly changes everything. To register as an organ, tissue, and eye donor, click here: https://versiti.org/ways-to-give/organ-tissue-eye-donation