Copyright Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — For Staten Islanders who believe in giving the ultimate gift, help is on the way. A new state initiative will cover up to $14,000 in expenses for living organ donors—a move that could save lives as thousands across New York wait for transplants. The Living Donor Support Program, recently announced by the New York State Department of Health, offers up to $14,000 to cover expenses for residents who donate an organ to another New Yorker. The funds can be used for travel, lost wages, dependent care, and unreimbursed medical costs. “No one should be prevented from saving a life because of financial hardship,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “This program allows someone to become a living donor and give a part of themselves to save another.” A Gift Beyond Life For families of organ donors, the impact goes far beyond financial support—it’s deeply personal. When Santina Distefano, co-owner of Moretti Bakery in West Brighton, died in April 2022 at age 66, her kidneys saved two fellow New York City residents. “At 10:30 p.m., the whole hospital lined up against the wall and saluted my mother,” said her daughter, Cinzia Leon. “Our family is grieving, but we helped two other families. They said, ‘Your mother’s a hero.’ That’s what’s helping me right now.” Leon added, “She never told me she was a donor, and I was so honored to be called her daughter knowing her unselfishness to save another person when she is no longer here. She was a hero in my eyes.” Similar sentiments came from the Pellegrito family after 29-year-old Peter Edward Pellegrito died from a brain aneurysm. His family discovered he was an organ donor through his driver’s license. Peter’s kidneys were donated to two women on Staten Island, while his corneas, liver, and heart valves helped other recipients. “Recipients must be registered and matched by blood type,” said his mother, Susan Pellegrito. “We are happy to say that we were able to meet several of his recipients and are still in contact today.” The Urgent Need The need for donors in New York remains critical. Of the 8,000 residents waiting for transplants, about 7,000 need kidneys and are surviving on dialysis. More than 520 people need liver transplants, and others await heart, lung, pancreas, or intestine transplants. In 2024 alone, approximately 690 people were removed from transplant center waiting lists because they died or became too sick before compatible organs became available. Living donation can help address this shortage. Kidney donations are most common, though donors may also give part of their liver, lung, pancreas, or intestine. Living donor transplants typically have better outcomes—more than 98% of kidneys from living donors still function after one year. How to Apply To participate in the Living Donor Support Program, prospective donors must apply through their transplant center before surgery. The center will submit the application and, once approved, donors can submit reimbursement claims with receipts.
