As April marks National Donate Life Month, the town of Malone pays tribute to one of their own who made a profound impact through the selfless act of organ donation.Jodi Andrews, a 52-year-old resident of Malone, unexpectedly passed away last September. However, her decision to register as an organ donor saved the lives of four other individuals. To honor her legacy, dozens gathered at the Malone Town Hall on Monday to remember Jodi’s generosity and the lives she touched.Jayson White, Director of Community Engagement at Donate Life NYS, described Jodi as a “donor hero” within the transplant community.During the ceremony, family members spoke about Jodi’s generous donation and a Donate Life — New York State flag was raised outside the town hall in her memory. One of the organ recipients sent a heartfelt letter expressing deep gratitude to the Andrews family for the gift of life.Mike Andrews, Jodi’s husband, shared the impact of her generosity by reading the letter: “Your family’s generosity has given me a second chance at life that eight months ago I did not believe I would have. I now can cherish every moment, every chance to build a future.”New York State currently has the lowest organ donation enrollment rates in the country, but local leaders hope Jodi’s example will inspire change.Assemblyman Billy Jones remarked, “This is a shining example of what Jodi has done and how we can do that.”Jodi’s daughter, Rylee Andrews, hopes her mother’s legacy will encourage others to become organ donors and think of those in need.Rylee expressed, “Imagine the last selfless act you can do would be giving others another chance at life. It is a chance to leave a lasting legacy to others who are waiting for a miracle such as this. So, become one and make a difference even after you’re gone.”For those interested in becoming organ donors, local DMV offices and Donate Life NYS can provide information and assistance.
As April marks National Donate Life Month, the town of Malone pays tribute to one of their own who made a profound impact through the selfless act of organ donation.
Jodi Andrews, a 52-year-old resident of Malone, unexpectedly passed away last September. However, her decision to register as an organ donor saved the lives of four other individuals. To honor her legacy, dozens gathered at the Malone Town Hall on Monday to remember Jodi’s generosity and the lives she touched.
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Jayson White, Director of Community Engagement at Donate Life NYS, described Jodi as a “donor hero” within the transplant community.
During the ceremony, family members spoke about Jodi’s generous donation and a Donate Life — New York State flag was raised outside the town hall in her memory. One of the organ recipients sent a heartfelt letter expressing deep gratitude to the Andrews family for the gift of life.
Mike Andrews, Jodi’s husband, shared the impact of her generosity by reading the letter: “Your family’s generosity has given me a second chance at life that eight months ago I did not believe I would have. I now can cherish every moment, every chance to build a future.”
New York State currently has the lowest organ donation enrollment rates in the country, but local leaders hope Jodi’s example will inspire change.
Assemblyman Billy Jones remarked, “This is a shining example of what Jodi has done and how we can do that.”
Jodi’s daughter, Rylee Andrews, hopes her mother’s legacy will encourage others to become organ donors and think of those in need.
Rylee expressed, “Imagine the last selfless act you can do would be giving others another chance at life. It is a chance to leave a lasting legacy to others who are waiting for a miracle such as this. So, become one and make a difference even after you’re gone.”
For those interested in becoming organ donors, local DMV offices and Donate Life NYS can provide information and assistance.