Batter up! For Donate Life Day at the D-backs
07/10/2023HONORING DONATION HEROES
“He always lit up a room when he walked in and affected so many people,” says Deborah Edenhofer, donor mother.
Her son, Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper Tyler James Edenhofer, passed away after he suffered a gunshot wound. In the depths of tragedy, Tyler was able to donate. Two women in Arizona regained their vision through his corneas. Both can now take in the desert sunsets or see their loved ones’ smiles. Tyler also donated different types of tissues that helped roughly 20 more people to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Debbie honored her late son by throwing the first pitch at the annual Donate Life Day at the D-backs last year. She says she wants him to be remembered as a hero. “He was my hero.”
COMING FULL CIRCLE
Generosity always seems to come full circle. This year, heart recipient Claire Filson will stand on the mound and throw the first pitch during Donate Life Day at the D-backs on July 30.
At 22 years old, Claire was diagnosed with giant cell myocarditis, an autoimmune disease that attacks the heart tissue. Despite several months of treatment, her heart only functioned at about 9% and she joined the national organ waiting list. Claire received a new heart after three months and recently celebrated her 9th heart-iversary!
“Receiving a heart transplant has made me a happier person,” says Claire. “I don’t want to waste a single moment of my life doing things that aren’t authentic or fulfilling.”
CELEBRATE WITH US!
Our annual Donate Life Day at the D-backs is so much more than a game. It’s an opportunity for Arizonans to call attention to the generosity of donor heroes like Tyler, their families and all donation champions! Thousands at the game and viewers from across the country get to see Donate Life Arizona celebrate generosity.
Join us this year on Sunday, July 30 for a 1:10 p.m. game against the Seattle Mariners. Tickets are available at a discounted price of $20. Each ticket includes a Donate Life or Done Vida T-shirt and a small gift from the D-backs. Get yours today!
IF YOU CAN’T JOIN US
If you can’t be at the game, there’s still plenty of opportunities to support and champion the Donate Life cause.
We encourage everyone to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor! Join the DonateLifeAZ Registry when you apply for or renew a driver’s license or state ID at an ADOT MVD or authorized third party office. You can also register online today at DonateLifeAZ.org.
Want to get more involved in sharing the lifesaving message of donation?
Donate Life Arizona is always looking for people to be a voice for donation and transplantation throughout Arizona. Individuals can volunteer, help us promote donation and participate in one of our many partnerships. For more information or to complete an application, visit the link below.