Mako, Culver Spotlight Organ Donation

October 5, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton) and Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27) today joined the Gift of Life Donor Program, donor families and transplant recipients to raise awareness about organ donation and encourage Pennsylvanians to register as donors.

The two legislators, both organ donor recipients, spoke at a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda and then participated in the Steps for Life Advocacy Walk around the building.

“I wouldn’t be standing here today without the gift I received, and without a family who, in the middle of their own grief, made the choice to give someone else a second chance,” Mako said. “That decision gave me my life back. I’m able to continue serving in the National Guard, travel and stay active in ways I never take for granted. Every year, this walk reminds me why we can’t let that momentum stop, and I want every Pennsylvanian on the waiting list to have the chance I had. That starts with more people registering as organ donors.”

“Organ donation is deeply personal to me because a living donor saved my life,” Culver said. “I was fortunate to have someone in my own family who was a match and willing to make that sacrifice. That gift is why I am still here today, able to be with my family, serve my community and do the work I do. Today’s walk is an opportunity to recognize donors and donor families, support transplant recipients and remind people just how much one decision can change another person’s life.”

According to the Gift of Life Donor Program, more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Participants also heard from a donor family and a transplant recipient about how organ donation changed their lives.

Information about organ donation and donor registration is available through the Gift of Life Donor Program at donors1.org.

The 183rd District includes Lowhill and North Whitehall townships and Slatington Borough in Lehigh County. It also consists of Allen, East Allen, Lehigh and Moore (part) townships, and Bath, North Catasauqua, Northampton and Walnutport boroughs in Northampton County.

Representative Zach Mako
183rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com
RepMako.com / Facebook.com/RepMako