My name is Michelle Lester; I am the Director of the Donor Family Network Inc. as well as a donor mom. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides support to the unique group of families who gave the gift of life through organ, eye and tissue donation. Whether it was a choice their loved one made before their death by signing the Donor Registry or a choice the family made, their decision enhanced and saved lives of the recipients. Another donor mom and I started the Donor Family Network after both of us lost our sons just months apart. Her 10-day old son Mark and my 16-year-old son Robby both gave the gift of life. We not only provide support to newly bereaved donor families but another donor mom, Karen Kline and I are co-managers of our local Transplant Games of America team, Team Finger Lakes. The Transplant Games of America are held every 2 years when thousands of transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, individuals on the waiting list, caregivers, transplant professionals, supporters and spectators join for a celebration of life! During this time, 42 state teams and several international teams compete in over twenty athletic and recreational competitions. In addition to medaling events there are over 60 additional special events held throughout the period. This year the Transplant Games of America will be held July 4rd – July 11 in Birmingham Alabama. In the past 24 years we have assisted sending 35-40 local donor families to the Transplant Games of America as part of Team Finger Lakes. This year we have 12 families planning on attending the games. Our team sponsors donor families, living donors, bone, tissue, and organ recipients. To do these things for the families and team we have to raise our own funds. We are a 501©3 nonprofit and all the money raised goes directly back to helping the families. Other than office supplies, website fees and postage there are no administrative costs to run the Donor Family Network Inc. or Team Finger Lakes, all the participants are volunteers and are all members of a donor, living donor, recipient family and their supporters. We are working with the Camillus Elks club on a pancake breakfast on April 28th, 2024 from 8am-12pm for the games. We need raffle items, gift certificates or just people to purchase tickets and join us that day. This is an opportunity for you to help support our team in some way. Please feel free to contact Michelle at 315-430-2677 or mle350@aol.com if you have any questions on how you may help. Thank you.