April is National Donate Life Month - ATL article

APRIL IS NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH ATLANTA – (March 19, 2007) –
April is designated National Donate Life Month. During this time LifeLink of Georgia, the local organ procurement organization, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the transplant community honor and pay tribute to the generosity of organ donors and their families. In 2006 more than 28,000 lives were saved through heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, and intestinal transplants. An estimated 500,000 tissue transplants prevented amputations; replaced bone tissue lost to cancer, infection, and injury; restored sight with donated corneas; helped burn victims heal faster; and restored heart function through heart valve transplants. Donna Schwedt, wife and mother of two, suffered with complications from high blood pressure which resulted in kidney failure. She endured dialysis treatment for two years before receiving a kidney transplant from an anonymous donor. “I don’t know where I would be today if not for the generous decision made by a complete stranger to become an organ donor and save my life,” says Donna. Since her transplant, she witnessed her youngest son’s college graduation and today Donna helps to educate Georgians about organ and tissue donation through LifeLink’s volunteer program; she also facilitates a transplant support group in her community. She stays healthy by participating in water aerobics, bowling, and community activities. National Donate Life Month inspires individuals to designate their donation decision by signing up on the state donor registry or signing a family notification card. LifeLink promotes community events to highlight the critical organ shortage in the United States. Currently more than 94,000 people are listed for an organ transplant nationwide; in Georgia over 1,900 of our family members, friends and colleagues await their Gift of Life. “LifeLink of Georgia works compassionately with families who have lost a loved one,” said Kathleen Lilly, Sr. Vice President/Executive Director, LifeLink of Georgia. “During National Donate Life Month and every month, we share vital information about organ and tissue donation throughout the state. I encourage every Georgian to learn the facts about organ and tissue donation and commit to saving lives,” she added. You can become an organ, tissue, and eye donor by signing up on the Georgia donor registry at your local driver license office; or by signing a family notification card. For more information about organ and tissue donation contact Terri Medina, Public Relations Coordinator at 800-544-6667 or visit www.lifelinkfound.org.