LiveOnNY Brings Together Organ Donor Family and Recipient for an Emotional First-Time Meeting
In a moving testament to the power of organ donation, the family of 70-year-old organ donor Claire Rossi met the man whose life she saved – underscoring the powerful truth that age is never a barrier to saving lives.
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The meeting took place at LiveOnNY's offices in New York City, where the donor's family, the recipient and his loved ones, and LiveOnNY staff came together. The federally designated organ procurement organization – which advocates for donors and their families and coordinates the complex logistics that make the gift of life possible in the greater New York area – hosted the emotional gathering.
Claire, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and lifelong giver from Queens and Long Island, became an organ donor hero in 2024. When she passed away, her family said “yes” to donation, knowing it was what Claire would have wanted.
“My mother's love language was giving, and donation was her final, most selfless gift,” said AnnaLisa Rossi, Claire's daughter. “Saying yes to donation has brought us comfort, because we know she lives on through the gift she gave. Meeting Carlos for the first time was such a powerful and emotional moment for our family – it truly felt like a part of her was still here with us.”
In February 2024, Claire's gift of life saved the life of 65-year-old Carlos Riley, a husband, father, and grandfather who was in need of a liver transplant. Last week, for the first time, Claire's family and the recipient came together to share gratitude, stories, and the enduring impact of Claire's generosity.
“Claire is my angel – she saved my life, and I wouldn't be here today without her and her family,” said Riley, liver recipient. “Through her gift, I not only received a second chance at life, but I also gained a new family. If Claire were here today, I know a simple 'thank you' would never be enough, but I am forever grateful.”
“This meeting is remarkable in so many ways – it's a celebration of life, love, and legacy,” said Leonard Achan, RN, MA, ANP, President and CEO of LiveOnNY. “It's also an important reminder that there is no age limit for giving the gift of life to others as an organ and tissue donor. Older individuals can and do save lives every day if they are medically suitable. Claire's gift proves that you're never too old to give the gift of life.”
With advancements in medicine and improved transplant outcomes, older donors are saving more lives than ever before. LiveOnNY is proud to lead the nation in honoring organ donors over the age of 65, ensuring that every potential gift is considered and every lifesaving opportunity is pursued.
Nearly 20% of donors at LiveOnNY are over the age of 65. Since 2022, 31.5 percent of all donors have been age 60 and older, including 18.7 percent age 65 and older and 9.2 percent age 70 and older.
ABOUT LIVEONNYLiveOnNY is a federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) committed to honoring, saving, and transforming lives through organ and tissue donation. Established in 1978, LiveOnNY collaborates with more than 100 area hospitals, providing support to donor families and transplant recipients. The OPO serves a diverse population of 13 million people of New York City and Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, and Rockland counties. Recognized as one of the nation's top-performing OPOs, LiveOnNY and the people of New York have increased organ donation by 85% over the past five years. To learn more, visit LiveOnNY.org
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SOURCE LiveOnNY
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