The Miriam Celebrates National Donate Life Month with Special Tribute

As part of National Donate Life Month in April, the Miriam Hospital installed a special floral portrait of Pawtucket resident and former patient Joseph Keenan in its lobby on Wednesday, April 26. Keenan saved three people with the donation of his heart, liver, and kidneys at The Miriam in 2018.

“It is such a privilege and an honor to be with you all this morning during Donate Life Month to celebrate all of those who have given or who plan to give, but most specifically to honor a very special donor and unveil a lasting tribute in his honor,” said Maria Ducharme, the president of The Miriam Hospital, at the event. “I am appreciative for individuals like Joseph whose generous and caring actions will serve inspiration for so many.”

In January, New England Donor Services sponsored the floral portrait of Joseph Keenan, which was featured on the Donate Life Tournament of Roses Parade float to honor his generosity and legacy. His husband BIlly Partain traveled to Pasadena to attend the parade and later donated the portrait to The Miriam Hospital. After the portrait investiture ceremony at the hospital, a Donate Life flag raising occurred outside of the main entrance.

“The family that received Joe’s heart has been instrumental in my healing,” said Joseph Keenan’s husband Partain. “It’s like Joe picked them out himself for me. Whenever we get together there is always a stethoscope nearby so that I can hear Joe’s heart. Because of the heart transplant, the recipient was able to walk one of his daughters down the aisle at her wedding. She gave her first-born son the middle name Joseph as she feels he gave her father and her whole family life.”

Learn more about organ donation at Lifespan »