Who We Are
Four high school students who decided that saving lives shouldn't be optional.
Our Story
In 2017, when one of Evan's family members needed a kidney transplant, four students at East Aurora High School near Buffalo, NY decided to take action. What started as joining their school's Donate Life Club became a multinational movement.
YCOD is Founded
After Evan's family member needs a kidney transplant, four East Aurora High School students found the Youth Coalition for Organ Donation.
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Joined Donate Life Club
The founders join their school's Donate Life Club and discover that New York has one of the lowest donor registration rates in the country at just 37%.
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Growing the Movement
YCOD begins building a coalition of young people across New York State, reaching hundreds of supporters.
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Bill A07954 Drafted
YCOD drafts and proposes actual legislation — Bill A07954 — to change the DMV default from opt-in to opt-out for organ donation.
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Partnership Expansion
Key partnerships formed with WaitList Zero, ONE8FIFTY, Chris Klug Foundation, American Red Cross WNY, and NY State Council of Churches.
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Red Cross Nomination
YCOD is nominated for the American Red Cross Real Heroes Education Award. Updated draft legislation is prepared.
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TEDx Talk
Evan Roden delivers a TEDx talk on youth political engagement and organ donation, reaching thousands of viewers.
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3,000+ Members
The movement grows to over 3,000 members from across the United States and around the world.
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NY Crosses 50%
A milestone moment: New York State crosses 50% organ donor registration for the first time in October 2024.
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Meet the Team
Evan Roden
Founder
Biomedical Engineering graduate from Tulane University, TEDx speaker, and Sustainability Engineer at ENFRA. Evan founded YCOD after a family member needed a kidney transplant.
Henry McLaughlin
Co-Founder
"I think New Yorkers can put their differences aside and realize saving someone's life is really the most important thing you can do."
Grace Tapani
Co-Founder
One of the four East Aurora High School students who recognized the urgent need for organ donation reform in New York State.
Sage Sellers
Co-Founder
Helped build YCOD from a school club initiative into a multinational movement with over 3,000 members.