By Andrea Blackstone

Donate Life Maryland (DLM) saves and enhances lives by registering organ, eye and tissue donors in Maryland. Board members, Luke Weichbrod and Sherri Lewis share poignant personal experiences that illustrate the impact of giving the gift of life.

Luke Weichbrod

Luke Weichbrod joined Donate Life Maryland’s Board in 2023. His advocacy work positively impacts the organ donation and transplant community.
Courtesy photo

Tragedy touched the Weichbrod family in 2010. Luke’s brother, Rory Joseph Weichbrod, was struck and killed by a drunk driver. The 26-year-old had elected to be an organ, eye and tissue donor since the time he became a licensed driver. 

Luke, a Potomac, Maryland resident, kept his brother’s giving spirit alive. He became a DLM Board Member in 2023.

“I am passionate about the mission of the organization, and I have known the executive director for over a decade. When I was asked to join the organization, the answer was, ‘Yes, absolutely,’” said Luke.

DLM’s Board mission brings him joy, knowing that the lives of many people are improved due to the efforts made by DLM and like-minded organizations.

“I am a passionate advocate and cheerleader for the organization and the cause,” said Luke.

Since each organ, eye and tissue donor has the potential to save up to eight lives through organ donation, and up to 75 lives through tissue donation, spreading the word about DLM’s work is a critical part of encouraging new donors to sign up to give the gift of life.

Luke added that “most people don't realize that there are so many ways that organ and tissue donations improve lives, not just save them.”

Luke’s willingness to raise awareness about Rory’s legacy, and the needs of people in the community, demonstrates his compassionate attitude despite his experience with the loss of his loved one.

“I would like more people to understand that there are many, many living donors that are able to save and improve the lives of complete strangers for the betterment of our society,” Luke said.

Sherri Lewis

Sherri knows firsthand that living organ and tissue donors are also invaluable. 

When her brother, Cuong Lewis discovered that he was in imminent need of a transplant, Sherri was selected to become his kidney donor. Cuong and Sherri are doing well, 10 years post-transplant.

“Each year, less than a third of the patients on the national waiting list receive a transplant, and on average, 22 people die each day while waiting,” according to information presented on DLM’s website.

Sherri strives to support individuals in need of lifesaving and life-improving procedures.

“When I was given the opportunity to join the Board, I didn't hesitate. I feel strongly about giving back, and being part of an organization that day in and day out helps to save lives, one donor at a time. I've always been a registered organ donor, even before my brother's transplant. We're lucky to have been able to match, but I know others who have family members who have been tested and haven't found a match. Being part of the Board, I can help raise awareness in hopes of helping others who were not as fortunate as my family,” said Sherri.

She added that DLM’s Board is comprised of a wide array of people connected to organ donation, including recipients, doctors or medical personnel, families of deceased donors, and living donors like her.  

“We all bring our unique perspectives to the Board. My personal journey as a living donor, a 20 plus year career as a TV journalist, and coming from a minority, mixed-race background allows me to provide expertise and insights from my lived experience. I have used my role as a TV reporter and won multiple regional Emmys for sharing my family's story with organ donation reaching hundreds of thousands of people if not more. I have also seen from personal experience how some minority communities, including my own, may be hesitant to register as donors because of myths and misperceptions,” said Sherri.

She mentioned that too many people die waiting on transplant lists. It does not have to be that way. When Marylanders register as an organ, eye and tissue donor with DLM, they choose to donate them after their demise. 

“In the event of a tragedy, if you or a family member lost their life, it is a beautiful thing to give someone else a miracle that is the gift of life.” 

Sherri added, “Make sure your loved ones know your wishes, talk to your kids at the appropriate age, and tell your family and your friends, so that if something should occur, your wishes will be carried out and more lives will be saved.” 

Please visit Donate Life Maryland via https://www.donatelifemaryland.org/ to learn more about organ, eye, and tissue donation.