Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C,I-Deerpark) today donated roughly 600 surgical masks to the Rockland Organ Donation Alliance (RODA). The masks were accepted by the President of RODA, Michael Prendergast, a transplant recipient himself.

The Rockland Organ Donation Alliance is composed of organ recipients, donor families, living donors, friends, families and public officials. The alliance is affiliated with LiveOnNY, a federally established organ procurement organization. Together, both RODA and LiveOnNY are working to protect immune-suppressed organ recipients during COVID-19.

“RODA and LiveOnNY gratefully thank Assemblyman Karl Brabenec for these personal-protection face masks and, most importantly, for his continued support of organ and tissue donation legislation in the New York state Assembly,” said Prendergast. “Mr. Brabenec has consistently supported legislation that saves lives through increasing donor registration. These masks are very useful but represent only a fraction of Mr. Brabenec’s commitment to the transplant community.

“Demand for Personal Protective Equipment is very high right now, and these masks will provide needed relief and safety to a number of immune-suppressed organ recipients and their families. RODA is on a mission to register more Rocklanders as future organ and tissue donors and to support recipients and families.”

“I think this is something that should be done without asking,” said Brabenec of his donation. “This is a time when we should be helping those who really need protection. RODA is a great organization that aims to essentially give life back to people. I want any attention I receive for this donation to be directed toward Mike and all of the wonderful things his organization and LiveOnNY are doing.”

The donation comes during Organ Donation Month and Donate Life Month. With nearly 10,000 New Yorkers currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, there is a need for organ donors. To enroll in the NYS Donate Life Registry, go to www.rodany.org and click REGISTER.