Albuquerque Lights Up Blue and Green to Kick Off Donate Life Month and Raise ALD Awareness
Civic Plaza and City Hall bathed in green and blue to increase participation in the organ and bone marrow donor registries.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – On Tuesday evening, Albuquerque City Councilor Renée Grout joined Donate Life New Mexico and local advocates on Civic Plaza for the “Light Up Donation Awareness Celebration.” The event officially kicked off Donate Life Month while shining a vital spotlight on Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) awareness.
The evening featured a community-focused, festive atmosphere with a live DJ, resources from the City’s Civic Engagement team, and powerful personal testimonies from organ recipients and donor hero families. As the sun set, City Hall was illuminated in vibrant blue and green—the signature colors of organ donation—symbolizing hope, healing, and the transformative power of the gift of life.
“Seeing our community gather on Civic Plaza to support organ donation and ALD awareness was truly moving,” said City Councilor Renée Grout. “By lighting up City Hall, we are doing more than changing the skyline; we are shining a light on the heroes who give the gift of life and the families navigating the challenges of rare diseases like ALD. I am proud to stand with these advocates to encourage every Albuquerque resident to register as a donor.”
The primary goal of the event was to increase participation in the organ and bone marrow donor registries. For those diagnosed with ALD—a rare genetic condition that can lead to severe neurological decline in young boys—early detection and access to bone marrow transplants are often the only path to a life-saving outcome. Attendees at Tuesday’s event were able to get tested to enter the National Marrow Donor Program Registry.
“I am thankful for my donor hero, Manuel and his beautiful family for his selfless act of organ donation,” said Victoria Yocum, a 2022 liver transplant recipient and survivor. “I gone skydiving, I’ve climbed mountains. I’ve done things that I never thought I would be capable of. Organ donation truly saves lives, and improves the lives of so many others. I am a living testament to that.”
“Every person who signed up for the registry tonight is a potential lifesaver,” said Luis Hernandez Jr., External Affairs Coordinator for Donate Life New Mexico. “Our partnership with Councilor Grout and the City of Albuquerque is vital in spreading the message that one simple decision can heal entire families. We are honored to stand alongside ALD advocates to empower our community to take action and give hope to those on the waiting list.”
Through this collaboration, organizers emphasized that registering as a donor is a simple yet profound way to impact lives. The blue and green lights will continue to glow at City Hall throughout the week as a reminder of the ongoing need for donors.
View the photos of the evening here.
About Donate Life New Mexico
Donate Life New Mexico is dedicated to saving and healing lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation. By increasing public awareness and facilitating donor registration, they work to provide a second chance at life for thousands of New Mexicans. Register to be an organ Donor today!
About ALD Awareness
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare, life-threatening neurological disorder. Awareness and early newborn screening are essential for early intervention, which can include life-saving bone marrow transplants for those affected. You can be a hero! Register for the National Marrow Donor Program Registry today!