Heart Transplant Recipient Raises Flag at Medical Center

Ceremony honors organ donors during National Donate Life Month

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:48pm

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A glowing neon outline of a human heart pulsing with energy against a dark background, conceptually representing the life-saving power of organ transplantation.A flag raising ceremony at a medical center honors the gift of life through organ donation.Elmira Today

A heart transplant recipient named Steve Wilber raised a flag at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, New York, as part of a ceremony to observe National Donate Life Month. Wilber received his transplant in 2023 after a 7-year wait, with the donated heart coming from Ryan DePuy, who passed away unexpectedly at age 47. DePuy's mother Linda attended the ceremony and spoke about the connection she feels with Wilber, who she says carries on her son's legacy.

Why it matters

The flag raising ceremony highlights the importance of organ donation and the impact it can have on recipients and their families. It also aims to dispel misconceptions about organ donation, encouraging more people to sign up as donors.

The details

The flag raising ceremony was held on April 8, 2026 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, New York. Steve Wilber, a heart transplant recipient from Millerton, Pennsylvania, was the special guest who raised the flag. Wilber had received his transplant in 2023 after a 7-year wait. The donated heart came from Ryan DePuy, who passed away unexpectedly at age 47 in 2023. DePuy's mother, Linda Depuy, attended the ceremony and spoke about the connection she feels with Wilber, who she says carries on her son's legacy.

  • The flag raising ceremony was held on April 8, 2026.
  • Steve Wilber received his heart transplant in 2023.
  • Ryan DePuy passed away unexpectedly on August 14, 2023 at the age of 47.

The players

Steve Wilber

A heart transplant recipient from Millerton, Pennsylvania who received his transplant in 2023 after a 7-year wait.

Ryan DePuy

A 47-year-old organ donor whose heart was transplanted into Steve Wilber. DePuy also donated his liver and two kidneys.

Linda Depuy

The mother of organ donor Ryan DePuy, who attended the ceremony and spoke about the connection she feels with transplant recipient Steve Wilber.

Nancy J. Ryan

The Director of Development at the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, who encouraged individuals to register as organ donors.

Arnot Ogden Medical Center

The medical center in Elmira, New York where the flag raising ceremony was held.

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What they’re saying

“My son lives on in Steve's chest, so I have that connection still with my son.”

— Linda Depuy, Mother of organ donor Ryan DePuy

“Make an informed decision about organ and tissue donation if that's what you want to do. Live your life knowing that there might be a chance that you could help someone live their life to the fullest too.”

— Nancy J. Ryan, Director of Development, Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network

What’s next

Individuals interested in becoming organ donors can register online, request paperwork, or sign up through the DMV or while registering to vote.

The takeaway

This ceremony highlights the profound impact organ donation can have, not just on recipients but also on the families of donors. It serves as an important reminder of the life-saving power of organ donation and the need for more people to sign up as donors.