After being personally affected by a family member who was the recipient of an organ donation, I felt the need to get involved with an organization to help save lives. I’m currently interning with the American Transplant Foundation in Denver and would like to invite you to participate in a movement to spread organ donation awareness.
You may be thinking that the only way to raise awareness about organ donation is to become a registered donor yourself, but there are many ways to go about it. Considering that almost every religion observed in the United States supports organ donation, I invite you and your congregation to observe National Donor Sabbath.
Founded in 1997 by Donate Life America, National Donor Sabbath is a time for faith leaders across the country to speak with their congregations about the importance of living and deceased organ donation. It can simply be an announcement in the weekly bulletin or an event held by the congregation. Held annually two weekends before Thanksgiving, this year’s National Donor Sabbath observance (Nov. 9-11) helps us all to be thankful for what we have by finding ways to help others.
Participation in this observance can save lives, and it’s so easy to get involved! Help spread this lifesaving message to your community. Bringing light to the need for living and deceased donation is essential to reducing the number of men, women and children who are awaiting a lifesaving transplant.
If you or your congregation (whether it be at home, school, etc.) are interested in participating, please contact me, Lauren Koketko, at LK374709@ohio.edu.
Who knew such a small thing could help save so many lives?
Photo credit: http://unibased.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html