“So Hope Will Live”: Saint Mary’s Hospital Honors Donate Life Month
April 23, 2025WATERBURY, Conn. – On Wednesday, April 23, Saint Mary’s Hospital recognized Donate Life Month with a walk at 12:30 p.m., and a flag raising at 4:00 p.m. The annual events emphasized the importance of Donate Life Month. Colleagues, leadership, and members of the New England Donor Services wore mostly blue and green. As a group they walked around the hospital to honor the impact of organ and tissue donations. The group also gathered in front of the hospital for the flag raising ceremony.
Saint Mary's colleagues gather together for the Donate Life Month flag raising ceremony.
Husnain Kermalli, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Saint Mary’s Hospital, speaks at flag raising ceremony.
Husnain Kermalli, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Stephanie Nelson, MSN, RN, Director of Safety, Quality and Performance Improvement, and Chaplains Amy Mickolite and Judy Bellemare shared a few words on what organ and tissue donation means to them. Angelo Bernardo of New England Donor Services took the time to share the value donating life has on not only the person but their families. Donate Life Month is observed annually in April to help raise awareness about donation, as well as encourage Americans to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors. Beyond raising awareness about donation, Donate Life Month honors those that have saved lives through their gift of donation. During this time, Saint Mary’s Hospital also recognized colleagues and staff who work closely with patients, families, and the organ donation community. National Donate Life Month was established over 20 years ago in 2003. According to Donate Life America, more than 100,000 people are waiting on the national transplant waiting list for lifesaving organ transplants. In 2023, more than 46,000 organ transplants from 23,000 donors brought new life to patients and their families. One donor has the ability to save up to eight lives.