The Symphony of Life: 2026 Donate Life Connecticut Gala
About this Event
Every Transplant Has a Story. Every Story Has a Team.
A transplant may happen in an operating room, but no transplant happens because of one person alone.
Behind every second chance is an extraordinary community of surgeons, physicians, nurses, transplant coordinators, social workers, donor professionals, caregivers, donor families, recipients, living donors, advocates, and supporters.
On Saturday, October 3, Donate Life Connecticut will bring this remarkable community together for The Symphony of Life, an evening of music, storytelling, extraordinary people, and the lifesaving power of connection.
Join us as we celebrate Connecticut’s transplant professionals, honor our 2026 Transplant Heroes, and support Donate Life Connecticut’s continuing mission of education, awareness, and hope.
The Symphony of Life! Honoring Transplant Professionals. Inspiring Hope.
Honoring Our 2026 Transplant Hero Award Recipients
Throughout 2026, Donate Life Connecticut invited members of the transplant community to nominate professionals whose expertise, compassion, and commitment made a profound difference in their lives.
At The Symphony of Life, we will celebrate all of our 2026 Transplant Heroes and present special Transplant Hero Awards to two extraordinary Connecticut transplant surgeons.
Dr. Dina Al Rameni
Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Hartford Hospital
Dr. Dina Al Rameni has dedicated her career to helping patients receive another chance at life while caring deeply for the people behind every procedure.
One heart transplant recipient described her as compassionate, empathetic, and someone who goes far beyond her role as a physician, continuing to ask about her patients’ lives long after their care.
Read Dr. Al Rameni's Story
Dr. Hiroshi Sogawa
Surgical Director of Liver Transplantation, Yale New Haven Hospital
Professor of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine
Dr. Hiroshi Sogawa is recognized not only for his surgical expertise, but also for his leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing patient outcomes.
A liver recipient who nominated Dr. Sogawa described him as a multi-faceted leader whose passion for changing lives is reflected both in his medical work and in the talented team he leads.
Read Dr. Sogawa's Story
An Evening of Music, Stories, Heroes, and Hope
Your ticket to The Symphony of Life includes:
• Cocktail hour
• Dinner
• Special musical performance
• Recognition of Connecticut’s transplant professionals
• 2026 Transplant Hero Awards
• Powerful stories of donation and transplantation
• Silent auction
• Paddle raise benefiting Donate Life Connecticut
• DJ and Dancing
• An evening of connection with Connecticut’s transplant community
This is not simply another gala.
It is an opportunity to celebrate the people who make second chances possible.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 161.90
