About Us | Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency

About Us

Roberta J., Sister of Raef Jones ORGAN DONOR HERO

About LAORA

Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency (LAORA), a Division of the Daughtry Family Department of Surgery at University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, is one of the nation’s 56 federally designated organ recovery agencies certified and regulated by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Life Alliance is a tax-exempt, nonprofit service organization that has the unique role of saving lives through organ donation and transplantation, as well as providing organs and tissues for research to advance medical science.

Mission Statement

“Provide life-saving organs while caring for the families of organ, eye and tissue donors by turning tragedies into miracles.”

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Service Area

LAORA is proud to be dedicated to serving a diverse and vibrant population of more than 7 million people across the six counties of South Florida and the commonwealth of the Bahamas. Our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality healthcare extends to a wide range of communities, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the compassionate care they need and deserve.

At LAORA, we understand the importance of inclusivity and strive to create an environment where all individuals feel valued and supported. Our team is dedicated to delivering personalized and comprehensive medical services that cater to the unique needs of each patient, fostering a sense of trust and confidence in their healthcare journey.

If you would like to learn more about our extensive range of services and state-of-the-art facilities, please click the button below or the map to the right to explore a full-size version of our hospital map. Thank you for considering LAORA for your healthcare needs; we look forward to the opportunity to serve you and your loved ones with the highest standards of care and compassion.

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History

LAORA was founded in 1978.

The first renal Allografts recovered and prepared by LAORA were transplanted in 1978.

In October of 1978, the following three individuals moved from the University of Minnesota transplant program to Miami: Dr. Joshua Miller (Medical Director), Les Olson (Director of Organ Procurement) and Ken Trachy (Director of Public Education). Those were the initial 3 employees of the newly born Miami OPO.

From 1979 to 1987, kidneys were the only organs transplanted in LAORA’s service area.

In 1987, Dr. Miller and Dr. Burke performed the first liver transplant.

LAORA officially became known as Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency in 2002, changing its name from University of Miami OPO.

LAORA was accredited by the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations in 2006.

In an effort to improve the quality of life and make transplants readily available to patients, LAORA has assisted in the organization of new procurement programs. It has also provided training for personnel from other procurement programs, and for surgeons interested in organ transplantation.

The personnel of LAORA view the accomplishments of LAORA with pride. We look forward to the continued efforts in servicing our recipients and donor families.