Dozens Gather in Urbana for Organ Donation Ceremony

Event honors donors and recipients during National Donate Life Month

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:49pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph of a human heart glowing against a dark background, conceptually representing the gift of life through organ donation.A ceremony in Urbana, Illinois honors organ donors and recipients, highlighting the life-saving power of this selfless act.Urbana Today

Dozens of people gathered at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois on Thursday to honor organ donors and those who received a second chance at life. The ceremony took place during National Donate Life Month, which celebrates organ donors and raises awareness about the critical need for donations. More than 100,000 people are currently waiting for an organ transplant in the United States.

Why it matters

Organ donation is a life-saving act, but many people still do not understand the importance and impact it can have. Events like this ceremony help educate the public, remember those who have donated, and provide comfort to grieving families whose loved ones gave the gift of life.

The details

The ceremony featured speakers including Harry Wilkins, the CEO of the organ and tissue donor network Gift of Hope. Wilkins noted that about 17 people die each day while waiting for an organ transplant. Erica and Andrew Deedrich also shared the story of their 5-year-old son Colton, who passed away last December but was able to donate his heart, kidneys, and liver, saving four lives. The Deedrichs said Colton was a natural giver, and that knowing his gifts prevented other families from experiencing their grief brought them some peace.

  • The ceremony took place on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • April is National Donate Life Month.

The players

Harry Wilkins

CEO of the organ and tissue donor network Gift of Hope.

Erica Deedrich

Mother of 5-year-old organ donor Colton Deedrich.

Andrew Deedrich

Father of 5-year-old organ donor Colton Deedrich.

Colton Deedrich

5-year-old who donated his heart, kidneys, and liver after passing away, saving four lives.

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What they’re saying

“While people are waiting on an organ, unfortunately, about 17 people a day die waiting, and they never get transplanted.”

— Harry Wilkins, CEO of the organ and tissue donor network Gift of Hope

“Colton would love that he got to be a part of someone else. That he got to give something of himself.”

— Erica Deedrich, Mother of organ donor Colton Deedrich

“The idea that Colton's gift would prevent other families from going through what we just had to.. It honestly brought us some peace during the most difficult time of our lives.”

— Andrew Deedrich, Father of organ donor Colton Deedrich

What’s next

Carle Foundation Hospital plans to hold a similar ceremony next April to continue raising awareness about the importance of organ donation.

The takeaway

This event highlights the profound impact that organ donation can have, both for recipients who are given a second chance at life and for grieving families who find solace in knowing their loved one's legacy lives on. As the need for organ donors remains critically high, ceremonies like this one play a vital role in educating the public and encouraging more people to sign up to be donors.