Councilwoman Bonner Lends Support for Organ Donations at SBU Event

Prior to the holidays, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point) lent her voice to an important cause as a guest speaker at the Stony Brook University Student Volunteer Appreciation Event. Held at the Shore Club Student Activity Center, the event recognized the efforts of student volunteers and highlighted the lifesaving impact of organ donation.

The event was sponsored by LiveOnNY, a nonprofit and federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) dedicated to saving lives and supporting families through organ, eye, and tissue donation. Established in 1978, LiveOnNY serves a diverse population of 13 million across Greater New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and the Lower Hudson Valley.

Councilwoman Bonner, who is a kidney transplant donor herself, shared her personal story, emphasizing the profound impact of organ donation.

“I was honored to speak at the Stony Brook University Student Volunteer Appreciation Event and to support the incredible work of LiveOnNY. As a living kidney transplant donor, I know firsthand the life-changing impact that organ, eye, and tissue donation can have,” remarked Councilwoman Bonner.

Her story resonated with the audience of student volunteers, many of whom are involved in outreach and awareness efforts for organ donation. Bonner expressed gratitude for the students’ commitment to this vital cause, stating, “The dedication of these student volunteers helps to save lives, provide comfort, and strengthen legacies in our community. Their efforts are a powerful reminder of the difference we can all make by choosing to give the gift of life”.

LiveOnNY works tirelessly to educate the public about the importance of organ donation and to facilitate life-changing transplants. The organization’s outreach efforts include partnerships with community leaders, medical institutions, and volunteers.

By fostering a culture of awareness and generosity, LiveOnNY has helped save countless lives.

Stony Brook University has been an active partner in these efforts, hosting events like the Student Volunteer Appreciation Event to highlight the role of young advocates in promoting organ donation.

Despite advances in medical technology and awareness campaigns, the need for organ donors remains critical. According to LiveOnNY, over 100,000 people in the United States are currently awaiting transplants, with thousands in New York State alone. Councilwoman Bonner shared her story of donating to her friend. She stated, “Tom, who has my kidney, is truly living a very full life and I’d do it over again in a heartbeat”.

The event concluded with a call to action for attendees to register as organ donors and to share the message with their communities. Councilwoman Bonner and LiveOnNY urged students and guests to visit www.LiveOnNY.org to learn more about the organ donation process and to sign up as donors.

Together, we can save lives and create a legacy of giving. Councilwoman Bonner said, “God gives us two kidneys so we can share one”. The event was a moving reminder of the power of collective action in fostering hope and saving lives through organ donation.