“Donate Life”: The Importance of Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation

The need to take action is highlighted by the fact that up to 74 lives are saved or enhanced each day due to the registration of donors. Unfortunately, in the same day 18 lives are lost due to the current shortage. Transplantation has blessed the lives of more than 300,000 recipients in the United States and aided countless donor families in dealing with their loss. With this great success, however, has come an increased demand. Currently, 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for organ, eye, or tissue donation. In the midst of these staggering statistics, an astounding fact is that a single donor can save or enhance the lives of more than 50 people. For many, the choice to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor is clouded with fear, questions, or concerns. I am a spokesperson for Donate Life and our efforts focus on donor registration by highlighting the benefits through presentation, education, and motivation. An advocate of this message is the key to alleviating donor misconceptions.