Burlington High Athlete Promotes Organ Donation

Freshman soccer player Mariella Desjardin campaigns for donor awareness while awaiting a kidney transplant.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Soccer

Burlington High Athlete Promotes Organ Donation

Burlington High School freshman Mariella Desjardin has joined the deceased donor list for a kidney transplant. The soccer team recently held a ceremony to promote organ donation efforts.

Why it matters

The ceremony highlights the urgent need for organ donors, as Desjardin continues to navigate the challenges of living with kidney disease.

Desjardin aims to compete on the Burlington High School varsity soccer team for three additional years while managing her condition.

The players

Mariella Desjardin

She is a freshman student athlete at Burlington High School who is currently playing varsity soccer.

Donate Life America

This is a non-profit organization that focuses on increasing the number of donated organs, eyes, and tissues available to save and heal lives.

Burlington High School

This is a public secondary school located in Burlington, Vermont, that supports various varsity athletic programs.

The details

The team hosted a dedicated ceremony before a soccer game against Essex High School to raise awareness for Donate Life America. Desjardin, who plays on the varsity squad, actively participated in the match despite her health diagnosis.

October 17, 2026: Desjardin was officially activated on the deceased donor list.
October 17, 2026: Burlington High School held a ceremony during the soccer game against Essex High School.

Season Trajectory

Desjardin's transition onto the donor list marks a significant personal milestone within the broader competitive high school sports calendar. Her participation highlights the intersection of student-athlete life and the medical realities faced by many in the community.

Desjardin remains an active member of the varsity roster with plans to continue playing for the next three years. Her presence on the field serves as a focal point for the team and community support efforts regarding organ donation.

The takeaway

Organ donation is a critical medical resource that requires public advocacy to support patients in need of life-saving transplants. Individuals interested in supporting this cause can register through official donor organizations.