Donor Network of Arizona

ADOT MVD Director honored for supporting organ donation

ADOT MVD Director honored for supporting organ donation

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT MVD Director honored for supporting organ donation

ADOT MVD Director honored for supporting organ donation

November 20, 2023

Customers can easily register as organ and tissue donors

PHOENIX – Donate Life America presented the director of the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division with its Lifesaver Award to honor ADOT’s commitment to making it easy for customers to register as organ and tissue donors. 

The Donor Network of Arizona nominated Eric Jorgensen for this national award, citing his leadership on initiatives to promote organ and tissue donation registrations through the MVD.

“This recognition is for everyone at MVD who continues to promote and help this important cause,” Jorgensen said. “The vast majority of people who register to become organ donors do so through MVD. We continually find ways to make sure people have the opportunity to register and potentially help save lives.”

MVD partners with the Donor Network of Arizona to provide opportunities for customers to sign up to become an organ donor at MVD offices, as well as online at azmvdnow.gov.

That box on the driver’s license or state ID application is small – people often make the decision in just a few seconds – yet the implications are huge. Each decision to check the box as an organ, eye and tissue donor can possibly save eight lives and heal 75 more.

ADOT MVD and Donor Network of Arizona have partnered for nearly 20 years to educate people about organ, eye and tissue donation and make it easy to register. Today, more than 4 million Arizonans are registered donors, and about 95% of donor registrations occur when a person applies for or renews their Arizona driver license or state ID card.

Please visit DonateLifeAZ.org to learn more about organ and tissue donation and to register as a donor.

 

Three hearts and three years later

Three hearts and three years later

Three hearts and three years later

Three hearts and three years later

By Bill Lamoreaux / ADOT Communications
February 14, 2023
Donor Network of Arizona
Donor Network of Arizona

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is happy to celebrate Feb. 14 each year. Not only is it Arizona’s birthday and Valentine's Day, it is also National Donor Day. This year we are celebrating the amazing story of three very special heart recipients. 

Jason Sr. and Sara Siqueiros, and their three children, Jaxon, Isabel and Jason Jr., have overcome incredible obstacles just to live. Born with the same life-threatening heart condition called restrictive cardiomyopathy, all three would require a heart transplant to survive. Faced with a long and uncertain road ahead, the family never gave up hope. 

With the help of dedicated doctors and other medical professionals, as well as generous strangers choosing to pass on their gifts of life, each child received a successful heart transplant between 2019 and 2020 and are now living happy and healthy lives. 

"Not one, not two, but three hearts, and I am forever grateful,” Sara says. “I’m just eternally in debt to these [donor] families, and I hope to get to meet at least one of them some day.” 

Isabel is an amazing artist and scholar who loves school and all animals. The twins love to play and watch football, basketball and wrestling. The entire family, grateful for the second chance at life, are advocating for organ, eye and tissue donation. They often participate in local events to educate others and raise funds for transplant organizations. 

“Going forward, we will continue to appreciate our lives,” Sara says, holding back tears. “We wake up every day so grateful. My children know they have special hearts. I want them growing up grateful and always remembering they are alive because of a donor.” 

Despite the health challenges they still face, the Siqueiros family remains positive. They shine as an example of resilience and the impact that organ donation can have on someone's life. Donate Life Arizona hopes everyone takes a moment to ponder their own power to save lives. The joyful faces of Isabel, Jaxon and Jason demonstrate the importance of giving back to others in the most selfless way.  

“My children know that their hearts beat for two,” Sara says. “The donor families saved my whole family and me.”  

For nearly two decades, ADOT MVD and Donor Network of Arizona have partnered to educate people about organ, eye and tissue donation and make it easy to register. Today, more than 4 million Arizonans are registered donors and about 95% of donor registrations occur when a person applies for or renews their Arizona driver license or state ID card.

Visit DonateLifeAZ.org to learn more about organ and tissue donation and register as a donor.

Celebrate Valventine's Day! Become an organ and tissue donor

Celebrate Valventine's Day! Become an organ and tissue donor

Celebrate Valventine's Day! Become an organ and tissue donor

Celebrate Valventine's Day! Become an organ and tissue donor

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications
February 14, 2022

On February 14, while most of us are occupied with candy hearts and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, the Donor Network of Arizona keeps its focus on the real thing.

That’s because February 14 is also National Donor Day -- Happy Valventine's Day! -- making it a good time to remind the public that more than 75% of recovered heart valves go to pediatric patients, like Heather. Tissue donation, which includes heart valves, heals thousands of patients every year. Heather was 9 years old when she had her second open-heart surgery, a transplant that included heart valves. She’s now a high-school senior and looks forward to serving her community as an organ and tissue donation advocate.

“Losing a loved one is beyond tragic,” said Julia Young, Donor Network of Arizona spokesperson. “But knowing and fulfilling your loved one’s decision to save lives can be incredibly healing. Registering as an organ donor saves grief-stricken family members from having to make that important decision.”

For nearly two decades, ADOT MVD and Donor Network of Arizona have partnered to educate people about organ and tissue donation and make it easy to register. Today, more than 4.2 million Arizonans are registered donors and about 95% of donor registrations occur when a person applies for or renews their Arizona driver license or state ID card.

Though millions of Arizonans are on the donor registry, it’s vital that people continue to sign up to be donors. Fewer than 1% of registered donors ever become organ donors and so the need for organs to save lives remains great.

Visit DonateLifeAZ.org to learn more about organ and tissue donation and register as a donor.

Gift cards are the worst; consider these presents instead!

Gift cards are the worst; consider these presents instead!

Gift cards are the worst; consider these presents instead!

Gift cards are the worst; consider these presents instead!

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications
December 16, 2020

We don't want to alarm anyone, but Christmas is less than two weeks away. If you still have people to shop for, but are running low on ideas, maybe we can help!

That may seem weird for a state department of transportation to say, but we do have some helpful holiday suggestions for that person that is just impossible to shop for.

As we suggested a couple years ago, if the person on your list had a particular passion, why not get them a license plate to match? With literally dozens of specialty plates that cover a variety of interests including amateur radio, the Girl Scouts and the Arizona Diamondbacks we are sure you can find the right plate for that difficult-to-shop-for person. And the best part? At $25 it's a thoughtful gift that won't break the bank. You even have the satisfaction of knowing that $17 of that is going directly toward the program being supported. In fact, for fiscal year 2020, specialty plates brought in a high of $11.4 million. 

 

arizona-highways-cover_april-2015-issue

Or, maybe the person you are shopping for has moved away, but is missing the Grand Canyon State. Well, you can cheer up folks braving a winter elsewhere with the gift of Arizona Highways magazine. With its articles on history, suggestions for travel destinations and pages of gorgeous photos, no wonder this magazine keeps wracking up awards. It's the perfect way to bring a little bit of Arizona joy into the home of your loved one all year round. Plus, there is even an Arizona Highways specialty plate if you really want to go all out!

We have an option if you are less about things and more about giving experiences. The best option may be the gift of you and your time. The Adopt a Highway program is a perfect way to bring family and friends together to serve the community and build memories doing something meaningful. It's also a great way to remember friends and family members that are no longer around to share the holidays with us.

The last gift idea is actually one that you may never give someone. If you haven't already, why not consider giving the gift of life? Nearly 4 million Arizonans have signed up to be organ and tissue donors through Donor Network of Arizona, which partners with the Motor Vehicle Division. If your vehicle registration is coming due soon, make sure to check that box to become a donor. It's a charitable act that will definitely get you into the holiday spirit and maybe give someone else a precious gift in the future.

And the best part? All these can be bought and ordered from the comfort of your own home – perfect for the savvy gift-giver trying to avoid retail stores during the current public health situation.

Trust us, it's a lot better than buying socks, ties or even – horror of horrors – a gift card at the last minute.

MVD is a proud partner of Donor Network of Arizona

MVD is a proud partner of Donor Network of Arizona

MVD is a proud partner of Donor Network of Arizona

MVD is a proud partner of Donor Network of Arizona

By Doug Nick / ADOT Communications
September 6, 2019

Did you know that nearly four million Arizonans have signed up to be organ or tissue donors through Donor Network of Arizona?

That’s an incredible number, and if you’re on of those people, thank you. Organ and tissue donations change, and in many cases, save lives. You can see that in this 2015 video about one such organ donor, Michael Choppi.

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division has been a partner with the Donor Network of Arizona for many years, and we couldn’t be more proud of what that partnership has accomplished. In fact, last month was ADOT MVD Saves Lives Month, and this is probably our most important partnership.

One of the newer changes we’ve made to encourage people to sign up as a donor when renewing their vehicle registration. Arizona has a unique time frame for renewing a license or ID. Your credential is good until you reach the age of 65, so we see a lot fewer people for this service than other states. But your registration is a different story. You usually have a choice between an annual renewal, two years or even five years. Obviously, that increases the opportunities to interest people in donation. So in 2017, MVD added a donor registration question to the renewal process and registrations increased by about 20 percent.

We talk a lot about some of the innovative ways MVD has improved customer service. Those are great changes, but they pale in comparison to helping Arizonans change and save lives. We hope you’ll thoughtfully consider becoming an organ and tissue donor.

August is ‘MVD Saves Lives Month’ promoting organ donation

August is ‘MVD Saves Lives Month’ promoting organ donation

I-17 101 traffic interchange

August is ‘MVD Saves Lives Month’ promoting organ donation

August is ‘MVD Saves Lives Month’ promoting organ donation

August 8, 2017

PHOENIX – Organ donation saves lives and registering to become a donor is as simple as checking a box at the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

Jaimy Burdine of Buckeye was a donor who ultimately impacted many more lives.

On April 5, 2015, Jaimy and her son and mother, Vikki, kicked off the day by going on a horse cart ride. However, the peaceful ride turned into tragedy when the horse was startled and began to run uncontrollably.

Jaimy feared for her son’s life as the horse kept running and made the brave decision to jump backwards from the cart. This heroic act saved her son’s life, who only suffered a few scratches. However, Jaimy suffered a devastating brain injury.

Vikki was able to escape when the horse fell trying to make a turn. She ran back to her daughter’s aid while paramedics tried to save her. Sadly, Jaimy’s injuries were too severe. She took her last breath in her mother’s arms.

After her daughter passed away, Vikki learned that Jaimy had registered at the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division as an organ and tissue donor.

“Jaimy always wanted to help others, but thought she had little to offer. She would’ve never believed she could save her son’s life – and, ironically, because she registered as a donor, she was able to save four more lives and make life better for countless more,” said Vikki.

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.”

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

Donor Network of Arizona celebrates MVD role in organ donation

Donor Network of Arizona celebrates MVD role in organ donation

Donor Network of Arizona celebrates MVD role in organ donation

Donor Network of Arizona celebrates MVD role in organ donation

August 19, 2016

By Ryan Harding / ADOT Communications

Donate Life Arizona

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.

August is ‘MVD Saves Lives Month’ promoting organ donation

August is ‘MVD Saves Lives Month’ promoting organ donation

I-17 101 traffic interchange

August is ‘MVD Saves Lives Month’ promoting organ donation

August is ‘MVD Saves Lives Month’ promoting organ donation

August 19, 2016

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.

Donate Life raises flag at MVD Office for National Blue and Green Day

Donate Life raises flag at MVD Office for National Blue and Green Day

Donate Life raises flag at MVD Office for National Blue and Green Day

Donate Life raises flag at MVD Office for National Blue and Green Day

May 4, 2016

Danelle Weber / ADOT Communications

National Donate Life Month ended recently, and we wanted to share how ADOT's Motor Vehicle Division helped mark this observance as well as how the MVD plays a vital role in encouraging organ donation.

On April 15, National Blue and Green Day promoting organ, eye and tissue donation, Donate Life celebrated a longstanding partnership with ADOT by raising its flag at the MVD administrative office in Phoenix.

About 95 percent of Arizona’s 2.7 million registered donors made that decision by checking the box on their driver license or state ID application. In Arizona last year, 165 organ donors saved 433 lives. Thousands of lives will also be healed by the state’s 2,294 eye and tissue donors.

One donor, Marissa “Roo” Pummill, noticed that box on her application and decided on the spot to become a donor. Because of that decision, six other lives were saved when she passed away. Her mother, Kellye Pummill, was present at the MVD event to tell her daughter’s story.

2016-0504-donate-life

Nearly 2,500 Arizonans are still waiting to receive a lifesaving organ transplant. Nationally, more than 120,000 people await the gift of life, and this number grows daily.

MVD Director Eric Jorgensen told those attending, "Today we call attention to the great need for lifesaving and life-healing transplants, we honor the many generous individuals and their families who have chosen to share life through donation, and we celebrate the lives that have been saved and healed through these incredible gifts."

More than 50 percent of Arizona’s adult population has said “yes” to one day sharing the gift of life. If you wish to join these Arizonans, you can register as a donor by signing up online at DonateLifeAZ.org. You can also check the box on an application to obtain or renew your diver license or identification card.

Buckle up! NASCAR star Joey Gase takes our road test to promote Donate Life AZ

Buckle up! NASCAR star Joey Gase takes our road test to promote Donate Life AZ

Buckle up! NASCAR star Joey Gase takes our road test to promote Donate Life AZ

Buckle up! NASCAR star Joey Gase takes our road test to promote Donate Life AZ

March 14, 2016
 

Buckle your seat belts! NASCAR star Joey Gase took our road test to promote Donate Life Arizona, and he had ADOT Motor...

Posted by Arizona Department of Transportation on Monday, March 14, 2016