Karen Kennedy, Infinite Legacy Leader Joins Donate Life Maryland Board

By Andrea Blackstone

Organ, eye and tissue donation is a topic that can touch almost anyone at some point in their lives, either directly or indirectly.

“There is a critical need for organ donations as more than 100,000 people in the United States are currently waiting for an organ transplant. When someone makes the legal decision to be a donor they provide hope to those waiting,” said Karen Kennedy.

Patients who are on the waiting list for an organ transplant hold onto hope that a donor will come their way. Some donors choose to become organ donors on their own. Others may become inspired after learning more facts about the process, or because they want to pay tribute to someone who touched their lives.

Kennedy, a Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland resident, will help raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation as a (DLM) board member. She was elected to serve in this capacity in January 2025. DLM handles registrations for organ, eye, and tissue donors in Maryland. 

Kenndy is no stranger to the organ donation field. 

“I serve on the leadership team at Infinite Legacy, the nonprofit organ procurement organization (OPO) that facilitates organ, eye and tissue donation in Maryland and the Metro DC area. In my role, I have had the privilege of partnering with Donate Life Maryland on many initiatives to advocate for organ donation in our communities,” said Kennedy.

Kennedy stated that she is passionate about DLM’s work because she sees what a difference their work makes in the lives of others. 

“Professionally, I see examples every day of how an individual’s decision to be an organ and tissue donor results in lifesaving and life-enhancing gifts to those in need. Personally, I am a member of both a donor and a recipient family and am so thankful to Donate Life Maryland for all that they do,” Kennedy revealed.

People of all ages need organ, eye or tissue donations. According to Donate Life America, “In 2023, more than 1,900 children received lifesaving transplants, matched from nearly 900 pediatric organ donors. Currently, there are more than 2,100 children on the national transplant waiting list. More than 500 children waiting for a donor organ are between 1 and 5 years old.”

Additionally, information provided by Donate Life Maryland states that “anyone can be an organ donor regardless of age, race or medical history. There’s no defined cutoff age for donating organs. The decision to use your organs is based on strict medical criteria, not age.”

Kennedy remains passionate about her life’s work and it shows. She is proud to have worked at Infinity Legacy for more than 30 years, in diverse roles, including clinical leadership, policy development, training and partner relationships. 

“I currently serve as Vice President of External Affairs and Education, where I have a particular focus on legislative advocacy at the local and national level, as well as external partner relationships with Donate Life Maryland, transplant centers, funeral homes and Offices of the Chief Medical Examiner,” Kennedy stated.

Before joining Infinite Legacy, Kennedy worked as a critical care nurse in a trauma unit. At that time, she was able to see firsthand how organ donation helps those in need of a lifesaving gift and witness the hope and comfort that donation can bring to families facing the loss of their loved one.

She added, “It inspired me to seek a position with Infinite Legacy to continue to utilize my skills in new ways.”

While Kennedy begins a new journey as a DLM board member, she remains mindful of a few key points that she would like more people to understand about organ, eye and tissue donation. 

“One person can save and heal more than 75 lives through organ and tissue donation. Registering to be a donor is an important and rewarding way to pass on the gift of life,” Kennedy asserted.

She candidly added, “We recognize people have questions about donation, and that there are several myths and misconceptions that exist about the process. Both Donate Life Maryland and Infinite Legacy are passionate about educating our communities with the facts and dispelling misconceptions.”

Kennedy mentioned that the impact that others can make to continue their legacy through giving someone else the gift of life can be extraordinary.

“Knowing that one day your altruistic gift could make a tremendous difference for someone creates a strong sense of pride. We work closely with donor families to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of their loved ones,” Kennedy explained. Visit www.donatelifemaryland.org  to learn more about registering to become an organ, eye and tissue donor.