New England Donor Services Honors Donors & Recipients at Bernie & Phyl’s

New England Donor Services (NEDS) hosted an event at Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture in South Portland, Maine, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, to honor organ and tissue donors and recipients and to encourage increased donor registration across New England. The event drew together donors, recipients, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and representatives from the Maine Medical Center Transplant Program.

The gathering held particular significance for the Rubin family, owners of Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture. Rob Rubin, President of the company, recently received a kidney and liver transplant after being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Larry Rubin, CEO of Bernie & Phyl’s, is currently awaiting a living donor kidney due to a genetic kidney disease.

Rubin Family’s Personal Connection to Organ Donation

Rob Rubin underwent a kidney and liver transplant on September 27 of the previous fall. “I am living proof of the importance of organ donation,” Rubin stated, according to reporting from WGME.

“I am living proof of the importance of organ donation.”

Rob Rubin, President of Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture

Larry Rubin, who was born with a genetic kidney disease, is actively seeking a living donor. “It’s become critical. I am actively looking for a living kidney donor. I want more time to enjoy more wonderful moments and be here to support my family,” he said, as reported by WGME.

“It’s become critical. I am actively looking for a living kidney donor. I want more time to enjoy more wonderful moments and be here to support my family.”

Larry Rubin, CEO of Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture

New England Donor Services’ Impact and Registration

New England Donor Services has significantly increased the number of organ transplants in New England over the last six years, more than doubling the number of lives saved through organ donation, according to information shared at the event. The organization aims to continue increasing the number of registered donors in the region.

The event at Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture served as a platform to highlight the critical importance of organ donation and to encourage individuals to register as organ donors. Individuals interested in registering can find more information on the New England Donor Services website.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows also attended the event, demonstrating state-level support for organ donation initiatives. Representatives from the Maine Medical Center Transplant Program were also present, providing information and resources to attendees.

The event underscores the growing need for organ donors and the positive impact donation has on individuals and families. The personal stories shared by the Rubin family and other attendees served as a powerful reminder of the life-saving potential of organ donation.