March is National Kidney Month. It is a time to focus on kidney health, early detection, and the life saving power of transplantation. At Donate Life Kentucky, we support kidney patients at every stage. Our work focuses on prevention, early detection, transplant education, and patient support after transplant. Early Detection and Prevention Through our Kidney Health Screening Program, we have brought over 500 free kidney health screenings to communities across Kentucky. These simple tests help identify early signs of kidney…

This article was inspired by PanCAN’s Nicolas Clifford ‘s article Taboo Topics: When Cold, Dark Days Get You Down – Pancreatic Cancer Action Network It can happen at any stage of the transplant journey. Waiting for a life-saving call. Recovering from surgery. Adjusting to medications, appointments, and a “new normal.” For many patients and families, transplant brings hope, but also stress, uncertainty, and emotions that can feel difficult to name. If any of this feels familiar, you are not alone.…

Nearly 16 years ago, Shelley Snyder accepted what she once described as her dream job: leading Donate Life Kentucky Trust. It was a role shaped not just by professional ambition, but by personal experience. From an early age, Shelley saw the impact of donation firsthand. Her father became a donor in 2001, and her mother received the gift of life through tissue donation years later. Those experiences quietly shaped her understanding of what donation means for families, and ultimately guided…

National Donor Day is a special time to honor the incredible generosity of organ, eye, and tissue donors. Their decision to give creates second chances, restores health, and brings hope to families when they need it most. Today is about celebrating that love – and helping it grow. If you’re wondering how to take part, here are meaningful ways to share the love on National Donor Day and beyond. 1. Post and Share on Social Media Here are graphics to…

At Donate Life Kentucky Trust, we believe the strongest education happens when people truly connect to the story. We licensed Heart of the Motor for use in Kentucky schools so students across the Commonwealth can learn about organ donation in a way that feels real, relevant, and engaging. Instead of a traditional lecture or PowerPoint, we meet students where they are through authentic storytelling that stays with them long after the bell rings. We are deeply thankful for the contributors…

At Donate Life Kentucky Trust, we are honored to work alongside the OPO and heroic families who give the greatest gift of life during the worst days of their lives. Our Donor Family Support Program was founded to provide limited assistance to donor families after donation has taken place. These funds are never considered prior to authorization. It is important to clarify that the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), including Network for Hope, has no control over these grants. All requests…

Get ready for one of the most exciting and meaningful days of the spring racing season & Donate Life Month! Donate Life Kentucky Trust is heading back to Millionaires Row 4 at Churchill Downs for our signature race day fundraiser on Thursday of Derby Week, and it’s an experience you don’t want to miss. This event sells out every single year, and for good reason. Thurby blends the energy of Derby week with a heartfelt mission, bringing together friends, supporters,…

Our vision is bold: a world where no one dies waiting for a transplant and every donor hero’s legacy is honored. We know that if everyone registered as an organ, eye, and tissue donor, the waiting list would be drastically reduced – and lives would be saved. That future begins with building trust & increasing public education. The Donate Life Scholarship Program was created to recognize students who are doing more than learning about donation – they are leading the…

We are proud to share that Shelley Snyder, Executive Director of Donate Life Kentucky Trust, will serve as Chair of the Advisory Council for Donate Life America in 2026, helping guide the organization’s national leadership and strategic direction in the year ahead. With this role, Shelley will also serve as an ex-officio member on the Donate Life America Board of DirectorsThe Donate Life America Advisory Council is a national body of experienced leaders from across the organ, eye, and tissue…