Lauren Martelle

Type of Donation:       Liver Recipient

Age and Location:      38, Spark, Nevada

Date of Donation:           9/29/2007, California Pacific Medical Center

Sponsor:                      Honored by Donor Network West

LAUREN’S STORY

Lauren Martelle was just 19 years old when she was diagnosed with Budd-Chiari syndrome, a rare and life-threatening liver condition caused by blood clots obstructing the veins that drain the liver. In 2007, after a series of hospital visits and rapidly worsening conditions, she was placed on the national transplant waiting list. She received a lifesaving liver transplant just one week later at Sutter's California Pacific Medical Center.

That transplant marked a turning point in Lauren's life. Because of it, she was able to complete her degree at the University of Nevada, Reno, marry the love of her life, and welcome the joy of nieces and nephews into her world. Grateful for the gift she received, Lauren has dedicated herself to honoring the legacy of donors and advocating for the power of organ donation.

She now serves as a Donate Life Ambassador with Donor Network West, sharing her story throughout northern Nevada to inspire others to join the organ donor registry. In 2025, she was a featured speaker at the Donor Family Ceremony, recognizing the generosity and impact of donor families. Lauren also sits on the board of Sierra Nevada Donor Awareness, a nonprofit that provides financial support to those affected by organ donation. She actively supports their annual Donor Walk to help raise critical funding for their mission.