More than 75,000 Kentuckians joining the state’s organ, eye and tissue donor registry in 2025

More than 75,000 Kentuckians joining the state’s organ, eye and tissue donor registry in 2025

Published 7:26 am Monday, January 19, 2026

Donate Life Kentucky Trust marked 2025 as one of its strongest years in history, with more than 75,000 Kentuckians joining the state’s organ, eye, and tissue donor registry, and raising more than $1.7 million to support the lifesaving mission.

More than 1,000 Kentuckians need a life-saving transplant. Each new name on the Donor Registry increases their chance for survival, and each dollar raised by the organization helps provide necessary access to care, making basic living and travel expenses possible for transplant patients and donor families.

“Each dollar donated, and each selfless decision to join the Donor Registry symbolize renewed hope for those waiting,” said Shelley Snyder, Executive Director of Donate Life Kentucky Trust. “When Kentuckians choose to register as a donor, or financially contribute to our nonprofit, they’re nurturing families and helping them navigate the full transplant journey.”

Through its patient and family support programs, Donate Life Kentucky Trust provided direct support to more than 100 families with pre- and post-transplant assistance essentials such as gas and grocery cards, rent and utility assistance, and medication and co-pay support. Additionally, Donate Life Kentucky Trust helped donor families with funeral and memorial needs through their Donor Family Support Program.

Donate Life Kentucky Trust also provided more than $20,000 in scholarships for Kentucky students who wanted to creatively express their donation and inspire others to register as donors.

In total, thanks to the generosity of Kentuckians, the organization raised $1,723,045 to support the mission of addressing the unmet needs of the donation and transplant community.

In 2026, the organization will provide 24/7 access to accurate and factual information regarding organ donation. The effort will provide those seeking more information about the donation process instant access to information on their website and through text messaging.

Donate Life Kentucky Trust will continue expanding education on organ donation, deepening community partnerships, honoring donors, and helping families across the Commonwealth by strengthening support. To learn more about the mission, visit www.donatelifeky.org.