Celebrating Latino Heritage Month
10/3/2023Syrena Arevalo-Trujillo was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 2012 and needed a lifesaving double-lung transplant. She could barely walk to her front door. Now she says she feels like she could walk up A-Mountain in Tempe post-transplant.
More on her story below, but why does it matter? Latinos both save lives and are on the waiting list for someone to bless them with such a gift.
WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT
From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we recognize Latino Americans like Syrena and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Sept. 15 also coincides with the national independence of El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also observe independence days during this period.
A SECOND FIRST BREATH
Four years after her diagnosis, Arevalo-Trujillo received the gift of life.
“It’s just the feeling of gratitude,” says Arevalo-Trujillo. “I am alive because of the selfless act of a stranger. Someone that I have thought about every day since. I would be lying to you if I said it has been an easy journey, but it has been well worth it.”
She hopes to one day meet the family of the donor who gave her a second first breath of life.
GENEROSITY ACROSS COMMUNITIES
DNA and the donation and transplantation community celebrates the generosity of Latino donors and their families for their ultimate gift.
In 2022, there were 99 Latino donors, and 393 Latino lives were saved through transplantation. During the month-long celebration, events around the state and nationwide are held to celebrate Latino Americans and their contributions on arts, literature and history.
JOIN IN ON THE IMPACT
In the spirit on Latino Heritage Month, we invite you to take a moment to consider the impact of organ donation within the Latino community and how you can become part of this life–saving legacy.
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.
También se puede registrar utilizando nuestra página de internet completamente en español. Regístrate aquí en DoneVidaAZ.org.