Broussard, LA (April 1, 2026) The Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) held a flag-raising ceremony Wednesday, April 1, at St. Julien Park to honor organ and tissue donors and recipients, including local donor hero Stephanie Cooper, who was both a transplant recipient and a donor.
Cooper, who died in March 2017 from a fungal infection, gave the gift of sight through the donation of both of her corneas. According to her mother, Sandra Cooper, that donation allowed two individuals to see.
Sandra Cooper said her daughter was born with cystic fibrosis and faced numerous medical challenges throughout her life. She later underwent a double transplant. At another point, after having her son, Cooper became ill with the flu and ultimately received another double lung transplant.
Her life reflects both sides of organ and tissue donation — as someone whose life was extended through transplants and, ultimately, as someone who gave to others.
The ceremony was part of National Donate Life Month, observed each April to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation and to honor those whose gifts save and improve lives.
In a March 30 press release, LOPA said it would host events across Louisiana throughout April to recognize donor heroes, recipients, and their families. The organization noted that 2025 marked a record year in the state, with 336 organ donors, 838 tissue donors, and 997 lifesaving organ transplants.
LOPA encourages residents to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, online through LOPA, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, or the LA Wallet app.
