In 2003, Richard Perez received a lifesaving liver transplant. Given a rare second chance at life, his mission is to educate others about organ donation and support families awaiting a transplant. Richard has helped more than 700 liver transplant recipients, 2,000 people who have undergone a transplant evaluation, and innumerable family members who have turned to him for assistance.

From 2004 to 2010, Richard helped over 105 Rochester families avoid hotel costs and stressful daily commutes with his generosity. Most incredible of all, according to the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, the percentage of registered organ donors has grown from 27 percent to nearly 40 percent of viable residents. And it’s all thanks to Richard.