Health First’s Cape Canaveral Hospital Joins Brevard Legacy to Mark National Donate Life Month

A donor’s gift leaves a lasting legacy of hope and life

Mom of donor — whose selfless gift saved five lives — urges others to have the donation discussion with loved ones, ‘so that they might live on in others.’

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Dozens of leaders, physicians, nurses, and staff with Health First and Cape Canaveral Hospital joined members of OurLegacy on Wednesday, April 1, to mark National Donate Life Month with a special recognition event and flag-raising ceremony at the front of the hospital.

National Donate Life Month was established by Donate Life America and other partnering organizations in 2003.

Observed in April each year, National Donate Life Month helps raise awareness about donation, encourages Americans to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors, and honors those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.

This year’s theme highlights trees as a symbol of life and connection. Just like trees grow and support each other in a forest, donations connect people – donors, recipients, and their families.

A donor’s gift leaves a lasting legacy of hope and life, much like a tree that grows and stands for generations.

“Today, we are proud to kick off National Donate Life Month, a time to recognize the profound impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation, and to honor the individuals and families who make that gift possible,” said Andrew Cain, president of Cape Canaveral Hospital.

“This is about something incredibly powerful — the gift of life and the people behind it. It’s about honoring donors, supporting families, and recognizing the lives forever changed by that generosity,” Cain said.

“Moments like this remind us that care goes far beyond our hospital walls. It’s about compassion, connection, and showing up for each other when it matters most.”

Health First, incorporated in 1995, has roots in serving the Space Coast that reach back nearly a century, to the 1937 opening of Brevard Hospital (now Holmes Regional Medical Center).

For generations, Health First has been here for life’s most important moments — and Wednesday was no different. For Health First, this is what care should feel like.

“This work is only possible through strong partnerships, dedicated care teams, and the courage of families who make selfless decisions during incredibly difficult times,” Cain continued.

“We are deeply grateful for all who make donations possible and for the lives that continue because of it.”

Across all four Health First hospitals, healthcare workers see lives change in an instant, said Nancy Mettner, Health First system director for Neurosciences and Stroke.

“In trauma care, one moment can alter everything, bringing uncertainty, fear, and incredibly difficult decisions for patients and their loved ones,” Mettner said.

“Our teams are here 24/7 for those moments, providing not only clinical expertise, but also compassion and support. Because we know we are not just treating injuries. We are caring for people, families, and entire support systems. Our partnership with donation organizations is an essential part of that care.

“When recovery is no longer possible, donation becomes an opportunity to honor a life and create meaning in the midst of loss. We are proud to be long-time supporters of organizations like the Lions Eye Institute and OurLegacy,” Mettner added.

“These partners help carry forward the gift of donation, connecting it to those whose lives are changed through organ, eye, and tissue transplantation. One of the most meaningful expressions of that care is through the ‘Knit for Life’ blanket program, an initiative that began right here at Health First through a partnership with OurLegacy, alongside our volunteers and community members.”

Through Knit for Life, handmade blankets are created and provided during the donation process to honor donors and bring comfort to their families.

Each blanket represents compassion, respect, and the human connection that is so important in these moments.

It’s a simple gesture, but one that carries deep meaning. It reminds families that they are not alone and that their loved one is being cared for with dignity every step of the way.

This program also has a deeply personal story behind it. It was made possible through the partnership and dedication of many, including Health First’s teams, volunteers, OurLegacy, and community family members.

Wednesday’s event welcomed special guests Pia Raucci and her family to celebrate and remember their son, Charles Connelly.

In honor of Charles, Pia brought people together in her community to raise support and yarn for this program, helping to ensure that other families would feel the same care and compassion during their most difficult moments.

Through her son’s decision to give life, others were given a second chance — and through Pia’s actions, she continues to provide comfort to so many more.

Mettner described Pia’s story as “one of love, strength, and a lasting legacy that continues to touch lives in meaningful ways.”

Pia shared that the decision to register as an organ donor can create a ripple of hope in healing across the community.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 109,000 Americans are in need of a lifesaving organ transplant. Of those, 61,325 people are currently on an active candidate waiting list.

“I’m here to honor our hero, Charles, who registered as an organ donor at 18 and became a hero at 20,” Pia said.

“He’s saving five lives and giving seven gifts. Charles’s legacy lives on in those five lives he helped save, by saying yes to being an organ donor.”

But that conversation happened even well before he became an organ donor — more like when Charles was about 15. When he was 18 and went to the DMV, he was asked if he’d like to be a donor and answered “yes.”

“Little did we know that two years later, we would end up here at Cape Canaveral, saying our goodbyes to Charles,” Pia recalled.

“And we were beyond grateful for the staff here during a crazy time – it was during COVID, and everyone’s world was upside down. The staff here was — and is — truly amazing. And we thank you. And we thank OurLegacy. They’ve become part of my family. So, anyone can become an organ donor. You know, you hear people say, ‘I’m too old,’ or, ‘They don’t want my organs.’ Well, the oldest donor is 98 years old. And the youngest is just 74 minutes old. So, it gives us peace knowing Charles’ heart is beating in another person. He had a great heart. He had a great smile, and he gave the best hugs. Knowing his organs are helping others live is his legacy, and we couldn’t be prouder.

“Make sure you have that conversation about organ donation with your loved ones, so that they might live on in others,” Pia added.

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