Do you know about Organ donation?

Don't take your organs to HEAVEN

HEAVEN knows we need them here!

Could you imagine being able to see for the first time in 31 years?

For John, a cornea transplant brought a whole new world into view. John lost his sight in a chemical explosion at age 20. For the next 31 years, he lived his life in total darkness.
Then, four years ago at age 51, John's world changed immeasurably. A cornea transplant allowed him to see his now-grown children for the first time. Through tears of joy, he was happy to see that his loving wife Nita had only changed for the better.
Everyday things are part of John's life again, too. He jokes that he's probably the oldest person in Oregon with a learner's permit for a driver's license. Thanks to the cornea transplant, he has put away his white folding cane for good.

• 18 people. That is the number of people that die per day because they did not get the organ donation their life depended on.
• 118 people. That is the number of people that die in a motor vehicle crash every day.
• 118 people who probably had healthy organs they could have donated.
• 15% - The percent of motor vehicle crash victims it would take to save the lives of those Americans dieing from such a senseless thing as the loss of or malfunction of an organ.

I am working desperately to change statistics of car crash victims/fatalities. I do this by reaching one person as at time. Unfortunately, I do know that no matter what I do, a m.v. crash is inevitable and we will lose lives. No matter what I do, I can't save everyone. That is why I find it imperative to make drivers aware of their gift. They can give the gift of life by being an organ donor. Yes, my mission is to save lives on our roadways. I can do this in two ways. Crash Prevention through education as well as the awareness of organ donation. Personally, I feel they go hand in hand!

I say this After working with Deanna Russso of Crusade Against Impaired Driving who's sister lost her life to a drunk driver at the tender age of 18. Her sister saved 10 lives through organ donation that horrific night. Deanna's family made the choice to save 10 other lives because they said they knew that is what 18 yr. old, Karen Kwiatkowski would have wanted.

Lastly, I have witnessed Shannon Devine's fight for Organ & Tissue donation. Shannon was Mrs. NC US 06 & went on to become Mrs. US 06. BUT, it is not about the crown and sash. Shannon did not pick this topic out of a hat! Shannon's step-mother is in need * Shannon's sister will never lose her sight because of a cornea transplant * Their adorable cocker spaniel, Gabby, received 5 blood transfusions that saved her life AND *Shannon's husband, Jason, was brave enough to donate his kidney to a friend in need. Her commitment does not end here...her passion for this topic led her to being a speaker at the NC House of Representatives where she introduced bill number 1372 (the heart prevails) into the NC House and Senate.

{The below is an excerpt from: http://www.teamdonatedevine.blogspot.com/}

Know these facts:

• Fact: Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.
• Fact: All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.
• Fact: If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ, eye and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased.
• Fact: An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors.
• Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.
• Fact: There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ or tissue donation.

Now is the time to take advantage of signing up on-line to become an organ donor!
The website is http://www.verybigheart.com/
If you do not have a heart on your license you do not have to worry about going back to the DMV for a renewal, it's a click away!
Please consider becoming an organ/tissue donor. ONE donor can save or enhance the lives of up to 50 people.

• Every 13 minutes another name is added to the waiting list
• TODAY 18 people will lose their life because the supply does not meet the demand!
• There is no other gift more precious than life!