Local physician, Dr. Dennis Yamamoto, will honor his wife who saved a life through organ donation during July 12 Reno Aces game

RENO, Nev. (July 9, 2024) — Reno, Nevada-based gastroenterologist, Dr. Dennis Yamamoto, met his wife, Mary (Oberski) Yamamoto, during her work-study shift at a dining hall at Michigan State University in 1970. Mary and Dr. Yamamoto began dating as they completed their studies—hers in social work and his in medicine—before they married in 1973 and eventually started a family welcoming twin children and later, four grandsons.

Mary shared her wish to be an organ donor with her husband and they discussed the topic with their children. At the age of 67, Mary died after being struck by a car while walking on the sidewalk in Phoenix, Arizona, in February 2020. Dr. Yamamoto knew exactly what she wanted: to help others waiting for a life-saving organ donation.

“I didn’t have to second guess and our kids didn’t have to second guess,” said Dr. Yamamoto. “This is something we knew she wanted and had decided as a family.”

As a result, Mary’s liver was donated, saving the life of a mother of three. Her heart and lung tissues were donated to scientific research laboratories. Mary was active in her church, supported her children’s schools, volunteered at the food pantry and was an advocate for women’s rights. Through organ donation, Mary’s generous spirit lives on.

Mary’s son, Kyle Yamamoto, and two grandons, Tanner and Connor Yamamoto, will run the bases to honor her during the second inning at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, Friday, July 12, 2024, at Greater Nevada Field as the Reno Aces take on the Round Rock Express.

One organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people and a tissue donor can heal as many as 75 lives. With someone being added to the national transplant waiting list every 10 minutes, the list grows rapidly. Increasing organ donor registration numbers gives people hope and a second chance at life.

Donor Network West, northern Nevada’s only federally designated nonprofit organ procurement organization, is proud to support Home Run for Life baseball games during the Reno Aces’ 2024 season. Now in its third year, the partnership brings critical awareness about organ donation to northern Nevada where the need is great—nearly 700 Nevadans are on the national waiting list.

“Donor Network West is honored to recognize Mary’s generous spirit that saved someone in need and we thank Dr. Yamamoto for sharing his family’s story to inspire others to have the conversation about being an organ donor,” said Janice Whaley, president and CEO of Donor Network West. “The Reno Aces are vital partners in highlighting northern Nevadans, like the Yamamoto’s, who are impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation.”

Six times per season, the Home Run for Life game series honors a northern Nevada community member who has received a life-saving transplant, lost a loved one who gave the gift of life through organ donation or helped provide support and healing to those impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation. This is the fourth Home Run for Life game of the 2024 season.

“Watching the fans on a gorgeous summer Friday night at the ballpark stand and cheer for our community’s organ donors and their loved ones is inspiring,” said Chris Phillips, Reno Aces general manager and COO. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Donor Network West and support their work educating northern Nevadans about the life-saving impact of organ donation.”

Anyone, regardless of age, race or health status can join the registry to become an organ donor. To learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

— @MyDNWest —

Media note: Photos of Mary Yamamoto are available for download here. Dr. Dennis Yamamoto is available for media interviews. Please contact Jena Esposito, [email protected], 702-513-0606.

Photo cutline: In February 2020, at the age of 67, Reno, Nevada resident Mary Yamamoto died after being struck by a car while walking on the sidewalk. Her husband, Dr. Dennis Yamamoto will join Donor Network West to honor his wife during the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game Friday, July 12, 2024 to highlight the importance of discussing organ donation with loved ones.

About Donor Network West

Donor Network West saves and heals lives by facilitating organ and tissue recovery for transplantation and research. Established in 1987, Donor Network West is designated and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), is a member of the Organ Donation Alliance and is an official Donate Life organization. Donor Network West is federally designated to serve 45 counties in northern California and northern Nevada, Donor Network West partners with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the state-authorized donor registries to help increase donor registration. For information, visit www.DonorNetworkWest.org and follow us on social media: @mydnwest.

About the Reno Aces
Since 2009, the Reno Aces, Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been a fixture in the northern Nevada community providing family-friendly entertainment and Minor League Baseball in downtown Reno at Greater Nevada Field. Over the past 14 years, over 4.5 million fans have passed through the turnstiles, and the Aces have contributed to thousands of different non-profit charities throughout the region. For more information about the team or tickets for the entire 2023 season, visit RenoAces.com or Text TIXX to 21003.