The story of Carlee, a young woman from Texas who was fortunate to receive two heart transplants, deeply moved me. After her recovery, she acknowledged, “Those people who gave me another heart… gave me a second chance. I have saved my life twice thanks to an organ donor.” On one hand, this story made me reflect on how much a donor can mean in saving lives and offering new hope. On the other hand, it made me think of so many people who are waiting for an organ and are not as fortunate as Carlee to receive a transplant. In the face of this situation, I asked myself: As a Vincentian missionary, how could I get involved in promoting organ donation? From that moment on, I decided to become an active advocate for organ donation, encouraging others to register as donors of organs, corneas, and tissues, and explaining the benefits of donation.
To be honest, when I had the chance to choose a topic for this article, I chose: organ donation and the Vincentian charism.
The Vincentian charism, from its beginnings, has always been concerned with the well-being of the human person and the ethical issues that arise in the field of science. Without a doubt, issues related to organ donation fall perfectly within the scope of the Vincentian charism. I chose this topic precisely because I wanted to remind Vincentians and all people of goodwill that their organ donation can truly make a difference. Together, as Vincentians, we can sow hope by becoming organ donors and saving lives. Saving a life is an act of love and humanity.
Every day, the need for available transplant organs increases. However, according to the most recent statistics from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), there are 103,223 patients on the organ transplant waiting list. The lack of organs for transplantation remains an alarming reality, and we have no certainty that this situation will improve. On the contrary, according to HRSA (2025), “each year, the number of people on the waiting list continues to greatly exceed the number of donors and transplants, and growth is slow.” As a result, many people die every day due to the shortage of organs.
What can be done? How can we improve the situation by building a culture of donation among Vincentians?
Organ donation is a social issue that should concern all men and women of goodwill in the search for fair measures to alleviate suffering and save lives. That is why, in the face of the organ shortage, this reflection is crucial, as it allows us to seek new proposals aimed at organ donation in order to find new Vincentian donors to address a problem that affects many human lives. Indeed, a global look at the issue of transplants shows that the situation has not changed. The waiting list continues to grow. Unfortunately, the problem of the availability of vital organs for transplant remains real worldwide. According to HRSA (2025), every 8 minutes another person is added to the transplant waiting list, and every day 13 people die waiting for an organ.
This situation has affected me deeply as a person, a Christian, and a Vincentian missionary. That is why, through these humble lines, I want to raise awareness among Vincentians about the importance of donating organs to give or prolong the lives of sick people. This article also aims to encourage the Vincentian community to play a decisive role in promoting a culture of organ donation within itself and in society. Such advocacy can have a very positive social impact by helping to awaken among members of the Vincentian Family a culture of generosity, overcoming prejudices and fears associated with donating an organ to save a life. Awakening a culture of organ donation within the Vincentian Family will help members realize that a single donor can save eight (8) lives and improve 75 more (HRSA, 2025). This reflection seeks to find new donors among Vincentians. So, Vincentians, make history with your generosity by changing lives through organ donation.
Likewise, this reflection seeks to update and strengthen the interest of members of the Vincentian Family in organ donation. It is important to remember that being a donor is not contrary to the Catholic faith or to the Vincentian charism. In fact, the Catholic Church, of which we are members, supports organ donation as a way to save lives. The Church sees this gesture as an act of love and generosity. It is a noble and meritorious act, provided it is done within an ethical framework. The Church also sees in it a manifestation of generous solidarity and a testimony of charity.
Surely, Saint Vincent de Paul, known for his sensitivity, deep compassion, and dedication to the most vulnerable, would have seen organ donation as a supreme act of charity and love for one’s neighbor. It is true that organ transplants did not exist in his time; however, his legacy of service and dedication to the sick and poor shows that he would have supported any action that saves lives and relieves suffering.
As is well known, the teachings of Saint Vincent de Paul are centered on generosity, solidarity, and selfless service—values at the very heart of organ donation. Therefore, donating organs as Vincentians to save lives is a gesture that embodies his mission of love and service. It is also a way to honor Saint Vincent de Paul by joining the movement to consolidate and strengthen a culture of donation. In this regard, the Vincentian Family could play a significant role. The path forward is to educate the population so that they know the truth about organ donation. Educating the public on organ donation means, among other things, dispelling doubts and correcting misconceptions about donating organs, corneas, and tissues. Many people are prevented from registering as donors due to myths and false ideas.
So, Vincentians, your donation can be someone’s hope—and it can make all the difference.
Being a donor is not just worth it… it’s worth a life!
By Jean Rolex, C.M.
