Did you know that April is National Donate Life month?
National Donate Life Month (NDLM) was instituted by Donate Life America and its partnering organizations in 2003. Celebrated in April each year, NDLM features an entire month of local, regional and national activities to help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation.
How many times have you been caught in the rain without an umbrella? We all, at times, find ourselves in situations where we are in need of shelter and comfort, whether it is an inevitable rain shower or a difficult time in one’s life.
For the 2015 National Donate Life Month artwork, spring showers and the symbol of an umbrella inspired the Donate Life America team. This whimsical depiction is meant to call to mind how we each have an opportunity to play the role of the umbrella, or person holding it, for others in need.
Donation and the Donate Life umbrella, provide hope, strength and LIFE. Registered donors offer hope to those waiting. Recipients inspire strength. Donors give new life. Under the Donate Life umbrella, we find comfort. And the rain brings new growth.
Today, April 17th, is National Donate Life Blue & Green Day!
During this day, the public is encouraged to wear blue and green, hold events and fundraisers, and partner with local restaurants, malls, media, and community organizations in an effort to promote the success of organ, eye and tissue transplantation and the extreme need for registered donors. My work supports Workplace Partnership for Life and we are all wearing Blue & Green today to show our support.
No one wants to think about dying or what will happen to us after we die, but when it comes to organ and tissue donation you have to plan ahead. So many people are in need of transplants! Currently, nearly 124,000 men, women and children are awaiting organ transplants in the United States. Signing up to be a donor is super and easy and you can even do it online now. If you live in Florida the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles gives you the option to become a donor when you get your drivers license.
Please take a moment to consider signing up as a donor and sharing this information with your friends, loved ones, co-workers, and neighbors. You never know what tomorrow will bring, but if you prepare today you could potentially help one (or more) of those 124,000 people waiting for a transplant.
