Donor Network West will recognize Reno resident Alondra Orozco during the Home Run for Life game at Greater Nevada Field on Friday, May 23, to raise awareness about the impact of organ donation.
Orozco, a supervisor at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, was first diagnosed with kidney disease at age 19.
At the time, she was starting college and undergoing dialysis. Her father, Andres Orozco, donated a kidney to her, which she described as a significant experience that brought them closer together.
The transplant restored her health, enabling her to travel to Mexico and return to school, where she earned a degree that led to her current position.
A few years ago, Orozco’s kidneys began to fail again, and she resumed dialysis. She is currently on the national transplant waiting list for another kidney.
Orozco will run the bases during the second inning of the Home Run for Life game as the Reno Aces face the Albuquerque Isotopes.
The event is presented by Donor Network West, northern Nevada’s only federally designated nonprofit organ procurement organization.
“Being able to raise awareness around the importance of donor registration and sharing stories and experiences like Alondra’s is the ‘why’ behind what we do at Donor Network West,” said Matthew Graves, vice president of donor operations, Donor Network West. “Through our partnership with the Reno Aces and the awareness we’re able to generate at these games, we further support our mission to save and heal more lives.”
The Home Run for Life series takes place five times during the Reno Aces’ season. It honors northern Nevada community members who have received transplants, lost a loved one who was an organ donor, or supported those affected by organ, eye, or tissue donation. This game is the first in the 2025 series.
“As we begin our fourth year partnering with Donor Network West with the Home Run for Life series, we’ve had the opportunity to spotlight the life-changing impact of organ donation at nearly 20 home games,” said Reno Aces President Eric Edelstein. “Their lifesaving mission is one we deeply support, and we’re proud to help raise awareness about the vital importance of organ donation.”
Community members are encouraged to consider the impact of donation and register as donors. For more information, you can visit Donor Network West's website.
