Donor Network of Arizona celebrates MVD role in organ donation

By Ryan Harding / ADOT Communications

For many Arizonans, August marks the time of year to start looking forward to an end to 110-degree temperatures. But it marks something much more significant for ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division, and we hope it does for you too after reading this post.

Four years ago, the Donor Network of Arizona designated August “MVD Saves Lives Month,” recognizing the Motor Vehicle Division’s role in promoting organ donation.

Ninety-five percent of registered organ donors in Arizona have done so through the MVD, in part because registering is as simple as checking a box on the driver license application.

Today, we shared the story of one donor: Celeste Machiche of Chandler. Shown at right in the photo above, with members of her family, Celeste was known for her infectious smile and generous spirit ‒ and always wearing bright red Chuck Taylors that matched her personality.

Sadly, a month after she registered as an organ donor Celeste was fatally injured in a car crash. But because of her decision to become a donor, her story didn’t end there. Her organs went on to help save four lives.

“Celeste was known for being generous and caring, and her generosity lives on through the lives she saved,” said Pablo Machiche, Celeste’s father.

Since 2003, the Motor Vehicle Division has partnered with the Donor Network of Arizona to promote the benefits of organ donation and to make it as easy as possible to become an organ donor. Today, more than half of Arizona adults have registered as organ donors, up from just 8 percent when the partnership began.

To learn more about organ donation and the great work of the Donor Network of Arizona, please visit DonateLifeAZ.org.