Lauren Shields passed away on June 26, 2026 at the age of 26. She was the recipient of The Eye-Bank’s 2018 Young Ambassador Scholarship and a dedicated advocate of donor registration in New York State.
Lauren received a life-saving heart transplant when she was only eight years old. Her advocacy journey began shortly after when she partnered with Rockland County Clerk Paul Piperato to speak at naturalization ceremonies. There, she shared her experience of waiting for a heart and encouraged new citizens to sign up to be donors. In 2010, New York State Senator David Carlucci asked her if she would be willing to help spread the word about organ donation more broadly. Soon, other state law makers were moved by the strength and clarity of her young voice.
In 2012, “Lauren’s Law” was passed. The law requires anyone applying for or renewing a driver license or non-driver ID in New York State to answer a question about joining the state’s donor registry. At the time the law was enacted, only 20% of eligible New Yorkers were registered eye, organ and tissue donors. Today, that number has nearly tripled. The Lauren’s Law question has since been expanded to other enrollment opportunities in New York.
“Even when struggling with her own setbacks, [Lauren] continued sharing her story, educating the public, and inspiring everyone fortunate enough to know her,” said Donate Life New York State Executive Director Aisha Tator. “We will always remember her, find ways to honor her legacy, and be grateful for the profound impact this young woman had on our community and the thousands of lives she touched.”
In Lauren’s memory, the Shields family encourages all New Yorkers to sign up on the New York State Donate Life Registry. You can sign up today here.