August is ‘MVD Saves Lives Month’ promoting organ donation

PHOENIX – Registering to become an organ donor is as simple as checking a box at the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

Celeste Machiche of Chandler decided to do just that around her 20th birthday. She was known by friends and family as having an infectious smile and generous spirit ‒ and always wearing bright red Chuck Taylors that matched her personality.

In May 2012, a month after she registered as an organ donor, tragedy struck when Celeste was fatally injured in a car crash. But her story didn’t end there, as her organs helped 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 make becoming an organ donor as simple as checking a box on the application for a driver license or state ID. Today, more than half of Arizona adults have registered as organ donors, up from just eight percent when the partnership began.

The Donor Network of Arizona has designated August “MVD Saves Lives Month,” noting that nearly all registered organ donors in Arizona have done so through the Motor Vehicle Division.

“Making the decision to donate your organs is a very meaningful one,” MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “Through our great partnership with the Donor Network of Arizona, we’re able to help make it easier for people to sign up.”

The Machiche family started a foundation in Celeste’s name to help families going through hardship while a loved one is in the hospital. They also know both sides of organ donation. Years before, Celeste’s grandfather received a kidney transplant thanks to an organ donor.

“Celeste’s personal choice to be a giver of life couldn’t make us more proud,” said Michelle Montijo, Celeste’s sister. “We believe her choice is a reflection of how important it is to give just as quickly as you are to receive.”

For more information on organ donation, please visit DonateLifeAZ.org.