Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) was proud to speak at a bipartisan press conference led by Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) and Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes to help promote New York State’s Donate Life Registry program and registry drive. Smullen encourages New York lawmakers and residents in communities statewide to get involved in organ and tissue donation to give the gift of life to individuals and families in need.

“My wife Megan and I lost our son, Alexander John Smullen, or AJ, this past March of 2024,” said Smullen. “AJ passed away at Albany Medical Center on Wednesday, March 6 in Albany, New York at the age of 14 following a fierce fight in the Pediatric ICU after being hit by a car on Thursday, February 22, 2024. We miss him every day, and one of the things that we have found solace in since his passing is the New York State Donate Life Registry.”

Smullen spoke at this event and has spoken at others in Albany describing how AJ gave the ultimate gift by participating in this life-saving program. Donate Life is a non-profit organization composed of organ and tissue recovery organizations, health professionals and individuals in need whose lives have been affected by organ and tissue donation. There are currently 7,962 patients in our state alone who are on the national organ transplant waitlist, and each year, thousands of people die while waiting. AJ bravely donated his organs to five families in need—that’s five fewer people on the waitlist.

In honor of AJ, Smullen says he will continue to collaborate with his Assembly colleagues on both sides of the aisle to promote the Donate Life Registry’s expansion to help others across the state and nation. Every donation makes a difference.

“I am forever proud of my son for participating in this remarkable program to help save lives. Megan and I pray for the Donate Life families in New York state whose lives he touched. If a loved one passes away unexpectedly, the Donate Life program provides an incredible way to create some goodness out of tragedy and save the lives of others whose deaths can be prevented with healthy organ and tissue transplants. I hope more people statewide will be inspired by stories like my son’s so they too participate in this program and give the gift of life,” concluded Smullen.

Editor’s Note: To sign up to be an organ and/or tissue donor for New York State’s Donate Life Registry program today, please click their Web site.