Honoring the Gift of Life: Riverside Community Hospital Hosts Annual Tree of Life Ceremony

Riverside, CA — Riverside Community Hospital invited families of organ donors to gather today for a special Tree of Life Ceremony, honoring and paying tribute to their loved ones who gave the ultimate gift of life. Held in recognition of Donate Life Month in April, this longstanding tradition, celebrated annually in partnership with OneLegacy, serves as a meaningful reminder that legacies live on, offering gratitude to the individuals whose names now adorn the Tree of Life.

Along with OneLegacy, Riverside Community Hospital reached out to donor families to invite their participation. Families were given the opportunity to honor their loved ones in several ways, including adding their name to an engraved leaf on the tree, attending the ceremony, sharing a photo, offering personal reflections or participating in any combination of these tributes.

This year, eight donor families added leaves to the Tree of Life, with over 100 family members and guests in attendance.

“Our hope is that this space brings comfort and connection to every family who returns here,” said Peter Hemstead, chief executive officer at Riverside Community Hospital. “While their loss is profound, their loved one’s legacy continues to touch countless lives through organ donation. Today, we honor that legacy with deep gratitude and remembrance.”

Additional speakers at the ceremony included Jolene Vargas, OneLegacy Ambassador and organ donor recipient; Dina Elias, director of trauma at Riverside Community Hospital and LuCyndi Ramirez, senior vice president, external partnerships, OneLegacy.