Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) joined his colleagues in the Assembly and Senate, representatives from Donate Life New York State and members of the community at a press conference in Albany on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, to celebrate Donate Life Month in New York state. At the presser, Smullen spoke about his late son, Alexander John “AJ” Smullen, who donated organs to five families in need after his untimely death in March of 2024.

Currently, there are nearly 8,000 patients in New York state on the national organ transplant waitlist, and each year, thousands die while waiting for a transplant because a suitable donor was not found in time. Smullen encourages all New Yorkers to register to Donate Life New York State to increase the donor pool to help those in need like his son, AJ.

“Through our family’s tragedy, five other families were given hope,” said Smullen. “My son is a hero who continues to inspire and touch people’s lives each and every day. We miss him tremendously, but we know his sacrifice was not in vain. This month, I encourage every New Yorker to register as an organ, eye or tissue donor and participate in the Donate Life New York State program to help save as many lives as possible. Let us do everything we can to increase the donor pool each year and save other New York families from tragedy.”

To register to Donate Life New York State and become an organ, eye and/or tissue donor, please click here.

To view footage of Assemblyman Robert Smullen speaking at the press conference, please click here.