Joe Ferreira, president and chief executive officer of the South Florida Donor Network, calls organ donation a ripple effect.
“These people who donate because their loved one has lost a battle or has gone, brings life to people who end up coming back to the community and contributing,” Ferreira said.
That ripple effect, he said, now originates in Miami Lakes, where the donor network is headquartered.
The organ procurement organization put down roots in March and celebrated with a ribbon cutting on October 15.
They were joined by Mayor Josh Dieguez, Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce President Ray Palacios and Miami Lakes resident Michael Salem. Salem is a volunteer for the organization but also received a heart transplant. He spoke about how having the transplant gave him a new life, one he uses to give back.
“Ever since I got back on my feet, I am out and about in the community because of the impact,” Salem said.
Salem also recognized the donor families who sometimes go unnoticed.
The South Florida Donor Network not only services Florida but also the Bahamas; it works with hospitals, donor families and transplant centers to help those who need organ, eye and tissue donations.
At the ribbon cutting, Ferreira, who grew up in Miami Lakes, spoke about coming home and bringing the mission of the donor network to the town.
“Here in Miami Lakes is our headquarters of innovation, of more lifesaving work, the sense of community that we all know and love,” Ferreira said. “So that we can grow with this beautiful and serve all the other communities around us.”