Tree of Hope
Heroic Donor Stories
Nevada Donor Network's Tree of Hope at the
Cannery Casino & Hotel
The holiday season is all about giving, which is why Nevada Donor Network finds it very important to honor and remember the precious gifts that heroic organ, eye and tissue donors have given to those in need of a lifesaving transplant. Our Tree of Hope at the Cannery Casino & Hotel honors six donors whose stories are below for you to read as a moment of remembrance for the selfless heroes that make donation possible.
Alana McDonald
Heroic Organ, Eye & Tissue Donor
Alana Julita McDonald was the most joyful, kind, and giving young woman you could have met. She was a force of nature and passionate about her goals and learning. She pushed herself and others to be the best versions of themselves. As a future pediatric nurse, she always wanted to save lives. With the number of lives, she’s impacted and touched, she’ll never be gone and will live on in our memories and lives. The inspiration she birthed, to work hard and stay committed in our endeavors, will pick us up at our weakest moments and carry us to our individual finish lines. And through every path of hardship or controversy we face, she will be there, walking the path with us. today. Nothing will be the same without Alana. We may have had to say goodbye, but she lives on.
Brandon Millette
Heroic Tissue Donor
Brandon came into this world with his own agenda on November 29, 2005. Brandon was in a hurry and didn’t even give the doctor time to arrive. He was an amazing young man who enjoyed being goofy, joking and laughing. There wasn't a time that Little B wouldn’t take an opportunity to make others smile. Brandon was kind, loving and would light up a room with his genuine personality. As a great conversationalist, he had no fear of communicating and speaking with all types of people. Brandon enjoyed all of his family adventures and loved cooking with them. He also enjoyed playing his saxophone for Reno High School and gaming with his friends. Brandon was taken from his family too soon and their adventures will never be the same. Brandon was able to give the ultimate gift through tissue donation when he passed away. Brandon will always be in his family's thoughts and his memory warms their hearts. They know he would want them to carry on and “B the Light!”
Eythan Castro
Heroic Organ Donor
Nuestro Heroe Azul te amamos tal cuál y como existe Nuestro
Angel de Alas Especiales. Los seis meses que estuviste con nosotros fueron magicos, fuimos la familia mas feliz del mundo, nos enseñaste tanto. Te honramos Osito de amor, estamos fortalecidos y consolados por Nuestro Dios por habernos premiado con nuestro Hijo Heroe. Hoy por hoy sentimos gratitud y felicidad porque un niño es muy feliz gracias a tu corazon que sigue latiendo. Eres extraordinario Eythan.
Nancy Monaco
Heroic Cornea Donor
Nancy Monaco is a hero. Her loving husband, Kevin, shares his gratitude for experiencing true love with Nancy for over 21 years. In 2018, cancer entered their lives and as much as Nancy fought, she continued to live life to the fullest. Nancy went to heaven in May 2023. She lived by many principles to guide her through life, but one of them that stands out is, "The secret to living is giving!” Nancy signed up to be a heroic organ, eye and tissue donor in December of 2022. The night of her passing, Kevin received a call from Nevada Donor Network informing him of Nancy’s decision. She gave the gift of sight to two others, and it was the most selfless gift she ever gave. Now, two people are able to see because of Nancy. Over time, Kevin has been able to establish a feeling of gratitude even when life seems unfair. He is grateful for the Nevada Donor Network who does so much good in our community. Kevin believes that registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor is a major decision to make and encourages you to have a conversation with your family to help them understand your wishes.
Michael J. Monroe Jr.
Heroic Organ, Eye & Tissue Donor
Nancy Monaco is a hero. Her loving husband, Kevin, shares his gratitude for experiencing true love with Nancy for over 21 years. In 2018, cancer entered their lives and as much as Nancy fought, she continued to live life to the fullest. Nancy went to heaven in May 2023. She lived by many principles to guide her through life, but one of them that stands out is, "The secret to living is giving!” Nancy signed up to be a heroic organ, eye and tissue donor in December of 2022. The night of her passing, Kevin received a call from Nevada Donor Network informing him of Nancy’s decision. She gave the gift of sight to two others, and it was the most selfless gift she ever gave. Now, two people are able to see because of Nancy. Over time, Kevin has been able to establish a feeling of gratitude even when life seems unfair. He is grateful for the Nevada Donor Network who does so much good in our community. Kevin believes that registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor is a major decision to make and encourages you to have a conversation with your family to help them understand your wishes.
Jonathan Pallera Jr.
Heroic Tissue Donor
Jonathan Pallera Jr. also referred to as “JJ” was 18 years old when he passed away in 2021. He was born in Orlando, Florida to Jonathan Sr. and Michelle Pallera and was the youngest of three children. JJ was also a Culinary Arts student at the College of Southern Nevada. He loved the arts, classical music, cooking, drawing, Dungeons & Dragons, Taekwondo and mixed martial arts along with watching T.V shows such as Bojack Horseman and Supernatural. JJ’s family will cherish the memories they have traveling together in Asia, Europe and the United States. He will always be remembered as someone who puts other’s needs first. JJ was always so thoughtful, and this was evident in his decision to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Through this act of selflessness, JJ was able to save and heal the lives of many through tissue donation. Jonathan Sr. honors JJ’s memory by attending Nevada Donor Network’s Men’s Grief Support Group and receiving the unconditional support he needs to navigate this tremendous loss.