MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — Thursday night at the Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown, Donate Life Connecticut celebrated organ donors, recipients, and caregivers at their third annual Garden Party.
Earlier this year, Lindsay Vigue, the executive director of Donate Life Connecticut, put together a photo series called “Gentle Strength” for National Donate Life Month. She was behind the camera, snapping the photos and sharing the memories of joy and grief with each individual she photographed.
"People have gone through a lot with transplants," Vigue said. "It comes with a lot of hardship, it comes with a lot of grief, it comes with a lot of change, it comes with a lot of with a lot of overwhelming changes in your life, but people are – really, it’s the human spirit it truly prevails."
The photos can now be spotted around the state. They are also at the DMV, encouraging organ donation to Hartford Healthcare, where recipients and donors receive care.
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"It was so beautiful and so inspiring and so special to me," said Vigue, a living donor herself. "I became a living kidney donor in 2019, and it's one of the best things I have ever done."
Thursday, the photos were displayed next to their subjects, gathered together with friends and supporters. There was music, food, and silent auctions at the event.
Vigue said the main goal of the organization is to raise awareness and educate others about organ donation in Connecticut.
"Please register to be an organ donor on your driver’s license," Vigue said. "Get that beautiful little heart on your driver’s license. Living donation is a beautiful option for people, and oftentimes, those organs are stronger than a deceased organ."
To learn more about Donate Live Connecticut, head to their website.
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Alexa Farrell is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. She can be reached at AFarrell@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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