Non-profit organization Sierra Donor Services is encouraging those in the greater Sacramento region to consider becoming organ, eye and tissue donors this Kidney Health Month. Photo courtesy of Sierra Donor Services 

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – In recognition of Kidney Health Month this March, Sierra Donor Services is calling on all greater Sacramento area residents to register as organ, eye and tissue donors.

In the United States alone, there are more than 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list, with 90,000 waiting for a kidney. Nearly 80% of Californians waiting are from communities of color, highlighting a significant disparity.

Lincoln, California resident Dinah Tor is one of those people. At the age of eight, Dinah was diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a condition that eventually led to kidney failure. By 16, she was undergoing dialysis three times a week while waiting for a transplant. On March 31, 2008, she received a life-saving kidney transplant at UC Davis. After her transplant, Dinah returned to college and spent 13 healthy years enjoying life’s milestones. In 2020, she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma related to long-term immunosuppression but has been in remission since April 2021 and remains deeply grateful for the gift of life her transplant made possible.

“During Kidney Health Month, I’m reminded how important it is to take care of your kidneys and to support organ donation,” said Dinah. “My transplant gave me the chance to go to college, build a career, and experience so many moments I might have missed. I’m incredibly grateful to my donor and hope my story encourages others to learn about kidney health and consider registering as an organ donor.”

“We hope that learning about Dinah’s story helps people recognize the critical need for organ donation,” said Sean Van Slyck, chief executive officer of Sierra Donor Services. “By registering as an organ donor, people in the Sacramento region can provide hope and a second chance at life to individuals like Dinah and thousands of others awaiting transplants.”

Sierra Donor Services works tirelessly to facilitate the donation of organs, corneas, and tissue, ensuring every gift is treated with the highest level of care and respect. As Sierra Donor Services reflects on over 40 years of impact, the organization remains committed to its mission of saving lives, honoring donors, and educating the public. Be a part of this life-changing legacy. Register today at SierraDonor.org/

About Sierra Donor Services

Founded in 1985, Sierra Donor Services is a federally designated, mission-driven nonprofit organ procurement organization (OPO) dedicated to saving and improving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. Serving over 2.8 million people across 13 counties in Northern California and Nevada, SDS is part of a collaborative network of organ procurement organizations working to advance donation efforts across California, Tennessee, and New Mexico. For more information, or to register as a donor, visit SierraDonor.org.