Each April, AdventHealth Central Florida shares stories in honor of National Donate Life Month, highlighting the lasting impact of organ and tissue donation. One of those stories is Sophie, a former AdventHealth patient who passed away in 2024 after complications related to an arachnoid cyst that led to two brain aneurysms. In the wake of their loss, Sophie’s parents chose to donate her pancreas to science, ensuring her legacy could live on. 

The family first learned more about organ donation through the GR8 to DON8 5K/8K Run for Organ Donation. The run is an annual Central Florida event presented by AdventHealth that benefits the OurLegacy Susan Perkins Fund. The event raises awareness of the lifesaving impact of organ and tissue donation while supporting individuals and families touched by organ donations.

Why We Did It

According to GR8 to DON8, more than 100,000 people in the United States are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Yet, while 90% of adults support organ donation, only 60% are registered donors, according to OurLegacy. Through education and awareness, the OurLegacy Susan Perkins Fund works to address misconceptions about organ donation and highlight the impact a single donor can have. In fact, OurLegacy notes that a single organ donor can save up to eight lives. However, in Sophie’s case, since her pancreas has been donated to scientific research, it has the potential to save thousands of lives as it helps advance diabetes research. 

By recognizing National Donate Life Month, AdventHealth creates opportunities for communities to learn about organ donation, honor donors and their families, and support the thousands of individuals, including many children, who are waiting for a transplant.