Organ transplantation remains one of the most significant breakthroughs in modern medicine, offering hope to individuals facing life-threatening conditions caused by organ failure.
For thousands of patients each year, a transplant is not just a procedure; it’s the chance for more time, renewed health and a future once thought impossible.
Today, more than 103,000 men, women and children are on the national organ transplant waiting list, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), with another name added every eight minutes.
“The transplant waiting list represents real lives—parents, children and loved ones—each holding onto hope for more time and a better future,” says Kennetha Foster, MSN, MHA, RN, Chief Operating Officer, South Texas Health System (STHS Edinburg. “Choosing to be an organ donor is a powerful act of compassion that can change the course of someone’s life and create hope in the midst of loss.”
Through organ, eye and tissue donation, a single donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of up to 75 others, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration—highlighting the lasting, life-giving impact of donation.
For the fifth consecutive year, the United States set a new national record for organ transplants in 2025, with 49,064 procedures performed nationwide, per UNOS—an encouraging milestone that underscores both the progress made and the continued importance of donor registration.
“Behind every successful transplant is a family who chose hope in the midst of loss,” says Foster. “That selfless decision gives patients the chance to keep living their story.”
While organ transplants continue to reach historic highs, the shortage of donated organs persists, contributing to the deaths of about 17 patients daily.
As National Donate Life Month draws to a close, STHS is continuing its efforts to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and celebrate the life-saving gifts of donors by hosting a special flag-raising ceremony at STHS Edinburg.
Scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, at 11:00 a.m., the ceremony will be held in partnership with the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), the Texas Donor Network and the San Antonio Eye Bank. The event will feature firsthand stories from recipients and donor families, along with special remarks by Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa.
“Donation is a powerful reminder that even in moments of loss, hope can emerge,” said Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “Through one selfless decision, families are given new beginnings and communities are forever changed. Donate Life Month is a call to stand together, raise awareness and encourage others to give the gift that so many are still desperately waiting for.”
Guests are encouraged to wear blue and green to help spread the Donate Life message and highlight the importance of becoming a registered organ, eye and tissue donor. For more information about the Donate Life Month flag-raising ceremony at STHS Heart, visit the STHS Facebook Events page.
To learn more about becoming an organ donor or to register, visit donatelifetexas.org.
Who: South Texas Health System Edinburg
What: National Donate Life Month Flag-Raising Ceremony
When: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Main Lobby South Texas Health System Edinburg 1102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX 78539
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first dedicated children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
