Roxborough Memorial Hospital Commemorates National Donate Life Month with Inspiring Flag Raising Ceremony

Philadelphia, PA (April 7, 2026) - In observance of National Donate Life Month, Roxborough Memorial Hospital hosted a moving flag-raising ceremony to honor the individuals and families who have chosen to give the gift of life through organ, eye and tissue donation. Hospital leadership and staff members gathered as a flag bearing the Donate Life emblem was raised in tribute to donors and the recipients whose lives they transform.

"This month is not just a tradition for us; it's an essential reminder of the lives changed through the courageous acts of donors and their families," said Shawn Parekh, CEO of Roxborough Memorial Hospital. "Every donation tells a story of resilience, compassion and the enduring legacy of those who choose to give."

Guest speaker Sally shared the story of her youngest son, Christopher, who died at age 36 following a workplace accident. Christopher was a registered organ donor, and his family honored his wishes. "The decision to donate was not easy, but Christopher had always wanted to help others," Sally said. "His wife insisted we honor his choice: 'Come hell or high water, this is the only thing he has control over.' Because of his decision, two men received kidneys; his corneas, heart valves and other tissues were used to help others; and his liver and lungs contributed to medical research. His generosity has the potential to touch more than fifty lives. We are forever grateful to the medical teams and to Gift of Life for their compassion and support."

"It is vital that we continue to raise awareness about organ donation," said Tameka Childs-Wolfe, Hospital Services Coordinator, Gift of Life Donor program. "Each family's story reinforces why registration and timely coordination matter-so donors' wishes are honored and patients on the transplant list receive lifesaving opportunities."

Parekh added, "Today we witnessed a powerful moment of unity as we raised the flag together. Sally's bravery in sharing Christopher's story honors his legacy and underscores the critical role healthcare providers, coordinators and the community play in supporting donors and their families."

The flag unfurled against the sky as a visible symbol of hope and connection. National Donate Life Month provides a platform to encourage registration and to recognize those who have saved lives through donation. This year's theme likens the interconnectedness of donation to trees in a forest-each donor helping to sustain and support others across generations.

"Your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor gives hope to the more than 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list," Parekh emphasized. "At Roxborough Memorial Hospital, we remain committed to fostering a culture that supports donation across all levels of our organization."

To register as an organ, eye and tissue donor, visit https://registerme.org/campaign/RMH or donors1.org.

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Roxborough Memorial Hospital: Roxborough Memorial Hospital is a 146-bed community hospital. The hospital has been serving the medical and health care needs of the Roxborough, Manayunk, East Falls and northwest section of Philadelphia communities for more than a century, having first opened its doors in 1890. Roxborough Memorial Hospitals School of Nursing has been educating nurses since 1898. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation's oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. As a member of Prime Healthcare Services, headquartered in Ontario, California, Roxborough Memorial Hospital is focused on becoming one of the leaders in technology. For more information, please visit www.roxboroughmemorial.com.

About Prime Healthcare and the Prime Healthcare Foundation: Prime Healthcare is an award-winning health system operating 51 hospitals and more than 360 outpatient locations in 14 states, providing over 2.5 million patient visits annually. It is one of the nation's leading health systems, with nearly 57,000 employees and physicians. Eighteen of the Prime Healthcare hospitals are members of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity. Based in Ontario, California, Prime Healthcare is nationally recognized for award-winning quality care and has been named a 10 Top and 15 Top Health System by Truven Health Analytics. Its hospitals have been named among the nation's "100 Top Hospitals" 69 times and have received more Patient Safety Excellence Awards from Healthgrades than any other health system in the past eight years. To learn more about Prime Healthcare, visit: www.primehealthcare.com. To learn more about Prime Healthcare Foundation, visit: www.primehealthcarefoundation.org.

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Contact

Michelle Aliprantis, MBA

Regional Director of Marketing and Communications

Office: 215.785.9817

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