Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network

09/30/2026

A remarkable story of love, hope, and the lasting power of organ donation right from University of Rochester Medicine! In 1978, 16-year-old Ray Vetuskey of Webster received a kidney from his mother, Betty. Nearly 50 years later, that same kidney is still going strong... and this year it turns 100, the age Betty would have been.

Stories like Ray’s remind us of the incredible impact every selfless donor - living and deceased - can have. One gift of life can give someone decades more time with family, friends, and the moments that matter.

You can help too:

✅ Consider becoming a living donor by contacting your regional transplant center for more information. Visit the University of Rochester Medicine's Transplant Institute at: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/transplant
✅ Register as an organ, eye and tissue donor at https://www.passlifeon.org so you can help others in need after you've passed away. Every registration and every conversation brings hope to the hundreds waiting in our region. Maybe even someone as young as Ray was.

Thank you to all the heroes, both living and deceased, who make second chances possible.

# LivingDonation

https://www.whec.com/top-news/webster-man-celebrating-the-100th-birthday-of-the-kidney-his-mom-donated-to-him-as-a-teenager/

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A Webster man is celebrating the 100th birthday of the kidney his mom donated to him as a teenager.  In March 1978, surgeons at Strong Hospital transplanted a kidney into 16-year-old Ray Vetuskey.  The story behind that kidney is now one for the record books. Vetuskey grew up ...

09/21/2026

Washington Examiner op-ed: An important read and worth a few minutes of your time.

Misinformation about organ donation risks destabilizing a lifesaving system built on strict oversight and patient trust.

09/09/2026

Thank you, Scott Hetsko, for taking the time to visit our Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network office and share your incredible transplant journey with our staff.

While many know you as the well-known and popular 13 WHAM ABC Chief Meteorologist whose forecasts we all rely on, today you spoke to us as a husband and father who nearly lost his life - and who is alive today because of a life-saving heart transplant. Your openness and gratitude for your donor hero, Shawn, touched every one of us. You reminded us of the profound power of organ donation and the vital role Organ Procurement Organizations like Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network play as the bridge between the generous individuals and families who choose to give the gift of life, and those waiting for a second chance.

We are so grateful you shared your story with us. Moments like these reconnect us to our purpose and inspire us every day. Thank you, Scott!

Watch Scott's story here: https://youtu.be/bTeWlK_QMyI?si=8IRzEuUb355StSP7 and register to at www.passlifeon.org
University of Rochester Medicine Shawn's Heroes For Life

It was my pleasure to talk to the staff at Finger Lakes Donor Network this morning. The work they do, bringing donor families and donors together is so important in life-saving.

08/15/2026

It’s always special joining Scott Hetsko at his donor drive. Visit out website at www.passlifeon.org for more info and to sign up to .

08/13/2026

There's still time to sign up. Hope to see you there this Saturday!

08/03/2026

Scott Hetsko's Annual Donor Drive is August 15th - an event we look forward to each year in honoring Shawn J. McMullen, the selfless donor hero who saved Scott's life in 2015 through a heart transplant. We hope you'll join us at the Henrietta Recreation Center to help save lives by donating blood and registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor.

Please use the QR code below to book your blood donation appointment in advance.

This year's donor drive comes at a crucial time when "The Heat is On" to find blood donors. The American Red Cross of Western New York reports there's a CRITICAL NEED for blood donors and an emergency blood shortage!

Your donation is essential to keep lifesaving treatments going for patients who can’t wait. The Red Cross will say thanks with a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email when you come give Aug. 1-31.
Terms: rcblood.org/August.

Special thanks to Shawn's Heroes For Life who does so much great work in Shawn's memory for Veterans in-need and organ donation. 💚☘💙

07/25/2026

Beat the heat with a cool treat! Stop out at the 7th Annual Ice Cream Social in memory of donor hero Katherine Vollmer. We hope to see you there!

07/01/2026

The donation community has lost a vibrant, young champion, and we will forever be grateful for her passion and grace. ❤️💚💙

We sadly lost one of our community’s greatest, most influential champions with the passing of Lauren Shields, at age 26, on June 26, 2026. Through her courageous, tireless legislative advocacy efforts, with her mother Jeanne often at her side, the young heart transplant recipient inspired a pioneering law that bears her name. See the link below in the comments.

06/29/2026

We had an absolute BLAST partnering with Clayton Williams at Watkins Glen this weekend! 🏎️💨

Clayton has been racing full throttle for the mission for years because his mom is a two-time organ transplant organ transplant, recipient. Every lap was powered by gratitude, purpose, and the incredible impact of organ eye, and tissue donation.

It was so much fun having Clayton Williams Racing right here in our backyard. A huge shout out to Clayton for flooding Instagram with awesome messages about donation and donor registration!

Thank you, Clayton - you rocked the Glen and the Donate Life mission! We can’t wait to see you back soon!

Are you revved up to join the donor registry? Visit www.passlifeon.org to sign up in about the time it takes to make a lap at Watkins Glen International. FAST!

06/29/2026

To every donor family who has walked this road: Your grief is real. Your gift is immeasurable. Saying yes doesn't make it easy -- but it makes it meaningful. Thank you for giving hope where there was heartbreak.