Let’s play ball
07/1/2024A GENTLE GIANT
“Darrell was a tall, gentle giant,” says donor wife, Michelle Yoon. Darrell Boito loved to fix things, including cars, and shared special moments with their young daughter when she tagged along. He enjoyed watching baseball—his favorite team was the Arizona Diamondbacks—and family outings to the zoo and park.
Embodying Darrell’s sport’s fan spirit, Michelle with Elizabeth, their daughter, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at this year’s Donate Life Day at the Arizona Diamondbacks game Aug. 10!
In June 2023, Darrell passed away after a brain aneurysm. He was able to donate his liver, heart, kidneys and corneas to save and heal other people. His passing left the family devastated, but they are thankful for the last Father’s Day weekend they spent together.
The family also finds comfort in knowing that their loved one helped others after his passing. Michelle can picture Darrell saying, “That’s pretty cool!” if he could see how many lives he saved and healed.
“If you are able to help through donation, please don’t hesitate and register to be a donor!” Michelle says.
LET’S PLAY BALL!
Join Donor Network of Arizona and the Arizona Diamondbacks Saturday, Aug.10 for a rematch of the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies as we call attention to the generosity of donor heroes, their families and all donation champions! Thousands at the game and viewers from across the country will see Arizona celebrate the gift of life. To purchase tickets, visit dbacks.com/donatelife.
THROWBACK TO THROWING THE FIRST PITCH: UNITING TWO (TRANSPLANTED) HEARTS
Last year, heart recipient Claire Filson stood on the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch.
“I think she said yes!” the announcer shouted over the speakers. When Filson turned back to face her then-boyfriend next to the pitcher’s mound after the first toss, he was posted on bended knee hoping she’d accept his proposal, and consequently a shiny diamond ring.
Ian Troiani, Filson’s fiancé, also received a heart transplant. In fact, the two met in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in an online group for heart recipients to build connections in an era of social distancing.
“I never thought I would have the chance to date someone who understands innately what I’ve been through. It’s pretty special,” Filson said just minutes before Troiani popped the question in front of thousands of baseball fans.
“I’m just glad she said yes,” Troiani says, recalling how challenging it was to keep his surprise a secret.
DID SOMEONE SAY, “FREE T-SHIRTS"?
Each ticket includes a Donate Life or Done Vida T-shirt and two small gifts courtesy of Dignity Health and the D-backs. Discounted tickets are $30 each, plus processing fees. Find more information and to purchase tickets click the button below!
HONOR ARIZONA DONOR HEROES
All donor families are invited to walk around the field before the game for a Celebration of Life parade in honor of their loved ones. If you are a donor family and would like to participate, please plan on arriving when the gates open at 3 p.m. More details will be sent closer to the game.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Grab your tickets for the 16th annual Donate Life Day at the D-backs at www.Dbacks.com/DonateLife.
If you can’t be at the game, there’s still plenty of opportunities to support Donate Life Arizona. Join the DonateLifeAZ Registry when you apply for a new driver’s license or state ID at an ADOT MVD or authorized third party office. You can also register online today www.DonateLifeAZ.org/Diamondbacks.