MILFORD, MA — A longtime child care worker who became an organ donation advocate after her mother's kidney transplant has received statewide recognition for her community service.
Betsaida "Betsy" Perez of Milford received a 2026 Latino Excellence on the Hill Award during a ceremony last month at the Massachusetts State House. State Rep. Brian Murray nominated Perez to represent the 10th Worcester District, according to the event program.
The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus presents the annual awards to community leaders and trailblazers making a difference across the state, the caucus said.
Perez worked at a Milford daycare facility for 16 years, where she served as a translator for Spanish-speaking parents. She also worked with children from Spanish-speaking households to help ensure they received the support needed to reach their full potential, according to her award biography.
Her mother, Rosa, was diagnosed with lupus at age 13 and later developed end-stage renal disease. Rosa received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor in 2025.
Recognizing that the transplant gave her mother a second chance at life, Perez began volunteering with New England Donor Services. She now advocates for organ and tissue donation, particularly in communities of color.
Perez and her mother also participated in the organization's annual Blue & Green Walk/5K in Worcester as members of a team called "Rosa's Hope Squad."
New England Donor Services coordinates organ and tissue donation across most of New England and works with nearly 200 hospitals.
Rep. Murray thanked Perez for her "selfless and dedicated work on behalf of the community and others."
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