To mark National Donate Life Month this April, Intermountain Health teamed up with UNLV Athletics and Nevada Donor Network to celebrate organ donation and raise awareness of the importance of organ donors.
As part of this celebration, the ceremonial first pitch of the April 21 UNLV home baseball game at Earl E. Wilson Stadium in Las Vegas between the Hustlin’ Rebels and California Baptist Lancers was thrown by Christina Martinez, an organ donor who not only changed a life, but saved the life of a friend and colleague, Raquita Elmore.
On July 28, 2021, Christina arrived at Intermountain Medical Center with a shirt saying, “It’s a great day to save lives.” That day, she donated one of her kidneys to Raquita, whose kidneys were failing. Her gift made it possible for Raquita to be healthy and have the energy to do the things she loves.
Intermountain Health, the official health partner of UNLV Athletics, at the game encouraged people to register to become an organ donor and urged fans to discuss these plans with their families. Representatives from Nevada Donor Network shared information on how to become an organ donor.
In Nevada, 639 people are on the national waiting list for a life-saving organ.
Intermountain Health is a premier organ transplant provider in the Intermountain West, providing heart, kidney, liver, pancreas and bone marrow transplants to people in need across the region. Learn more at intermountainhealthcare.org/donatelife.
