Senator Carlucci Co-Hosted Radio Show With Heart Transplant Recipient Roxanne Watson

(Garnerville, NY) – On Wednesday, Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Roxanne Watson’s life-saving heart transplant on her new WRCR radio show. Carlucci co-hosted “Michael’s Gifts,” named after Watson’s organ donor, Michael Bovill. Carlucci and Watson interviewed Michael’s father, Jon Bovill and Rockland journalist, Mark Judelson, who is writing a book on Michael’s remarkable story.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Listen to Full Show Here

In 2010, at just 23-years-old, Michael Bovill, a U.S. Coast Guard cadet and fireman was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on the George Washington Bridge. At the time, Watson had been in desperate need of a heart transplant after suffering a heart attack in 2006. Bovill had been a newly registered organ donor, and on April 15, 2010, Watson and four others received the gift of life. Watson always says she got the best part of Michael, his heart. 

Now, Watson has made it her mission to save more lives through organ donation, and she has single-handedly registered over 11,000 new organ donors with New York’s Campaign 4 Life and Donate Life NYS. Watson also started the Rockland Organ Donation Alliance, a group dedicated to raising awareness and education about organ donation. 

Watson said she chose Carlucci to co-host her anniversary show because he’s been a champion for organ donation.

“Senator David Carlucci passed Lauren’s Law, which has dramatically increased organ donation in New York State by ensuring all new drivers have to consider this life-saving choice,” said Roxanne Watson. “He’s also supported significant funding for Donate Life New York State and has been there for the organ donation community over the years to support policies that have had a meaningful impact.”

During the radio show, Senator Carlucci presented Watson with a framed proclamation from the New York State Senate to commemorate her transplant anniversary and recognize her life-saving advocacy work.

“Roxanne is a fighter and a survivor dedicated to saving others,” said Senator David Carlucci. “Having had the opportunity to work with her and see her in action has been such an honor and privilege. She has put Rockland County on the map, setting a record for signing up the most registered organ donors. We will always remember Michael for his gift, and watch his selflessness live on through Roxanne’s work and mission.”

You can learn more about organ donation by visiting Donatelife.ny.gov/ and check out Watson’s show, “Michael’s Gifts,” airing every Wednesday morning at 9:15 a.m. on WRCR AM 1700 in New York. Watson said she will use her platform to elevate the voices of other transplant patients and allow them to share their stories.