Organ Donation: The Gift of Life
This column is dedicated to my nephew Aaron, my niece Shawna and my two great nephews Ethan and Evan. In the not too distant future Shawna is donating one of her kidneys to Evan. Organ donation affects us all. The journey continues…..Please. Register. Today.
We don’t like to talk about it- or think about it- but I urge you to do so. Bone Marrow donation/ Organ donation is not at the top of our “to do” list unless it hits our home.
If you start the conversation you will be amazed at how many lives are affected and how many lives can be changed by people becoming aware. A difference in the life of many can happen by you becoming informed and by your willingness to take action. Bone Marrow/ Organ and Tissue donation is truly a gift of life.
A few Facts
- All major religious organizations support organ, eye, bone marrow and tissue donation.
- Someone dies every 15 hours in New York State waiting for an organ.
- 10,000 people are on the waiting list for an organ in New York State.
- New York State ranks second lowest in the country in percentage of donors with 20% registered as donors
Organ donation was brought to my attention by my son Zach a few years ago when he was so very moved by the story of pro football player Chris Henry. Watch this very moving story.
All of this hit closer to home when a friend was diagnosed with Ideopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Watch my friend Howard’s story on The Today Show.
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Whether it’s giving a swab for bone marrow donation testing or checking that box on your drivers license or even clicking on the link of your FB page, you are saying “I am willing to give someone a second chance at life”.
Today- you have the ability to make a difference in a most profound way. Visit these web sites to learn more:
Wow.
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Stephanie Garry. My heart and purpose lies in making the lives of those who are struggling a little easier and more manageable. For decades I’ve given my time and energy to local, national and international organizations that provide assistance to those less fortunate. From assisting at local homeless shelters and soup kitchens, to traveling to New Orleans, the Ukraine, Africa and many points in between, I feel I’m at my best when I’m working for the benefit of others. Though I enjoy making my living as an actor and have appeared in over 1,000 commercials, it is the “giving” in my life that I find most rewarding.
Each one of us can make the world a better, kinder and more meaningful place. Here are ideas and thoughts and causes to help you do just that.
