4th Annual Celebration of Transplantation
SUNY Downstate Medical Center is the only center in New York affililiated with the Minority Organ and Tissue Transplant Program (MOTTEP) based in Washington DC. MOTTEP works closely with the Mickey Mantle Foundation for the purpose of raising awareness of organ donation and transplantation and its value in saving lives.

On July 18, 2001 Mayor Guiliani, together with MOTTEP and the Mickey Mantle Foundation hosted the 4th annual celebration of transplantation at Gracie Mansion. There were many sports celebreties participating in the transplant celebration including former Yankee legend Yogi Berra and Keith Hernandez.

One of our own transplant recipients, Wessie Marbury received special recognition for her extraordinary efforts to raise organ donor awareness throughout the metropolitan area. Wessie has had a successful kidney transplant for the past 12 years and although they do not know each other, she remains eternally grateful to her donor's family for the gift of life which was given to her. She prays for them every day and for the thousands of others who are still waiting for the gift of life.