Bridgeport hosted its 15th annual Donate Life Month flag-raising Tuesday.

It marks the start of Organ Donation Awareness Month.

Over 1,000 people in Connecticut await lifesaving organ donations.

One recipient, Charles E. Treadway III, said, "My gift of life actually came from a donor in Tamworth, New Hampshire, in the White Mountains and her name was Heidi. I'm in contact with her mother Elva usually on a monthly basis or whenever Elva feels like calling me. Heidi was Elva's only child, so actually now I'm her other child."

Residents can register as donors online via Donate Life Connecticut or at the DMV.