February 14 is National Donor Day. Since 1998, this day is an observance dedicated to spreading awareness and education about organ, eye, tissue, and blood product donation. By educating and sharing the Donate Life message, we can each take small steps to help save and heal more lives.
On Donor Day we honor the donor’s legacy of generosity and compassion. This day is a day to recognize those who have given and received the gift of life through organ, eye, and tissue donation. The day also serves as a reminder of the nearly 120,000 individuals who are on the national organ transplant waiting list and the sobering reality that on average, 22 people die per day while waiting for an organ transplant. As the number of individuals on the national organ transplant waiting lists continues to grow rapidly, the number of registered donors remains nearly the same.
Starting the conversation about organ donation can be difficult but it is important to discuss your heroic decision with your family as your decision will take priority over your family’s preferences. Making the decision for yourself in advance makes it easier for your family during a very difficult time. Discussing donation with loved ones will help them be prepared to support your lifesaving decision to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor.
To learn more about organ, eye, tissue, and blood production donation, visit your local healthcare provider. You can also find more information online through local and national organizations such as Donate Life (www.donatelife.net) and Life Source (www.life-source.org).
Happy National Donor Day – Share the love and register today www.RegisterMe.org
