Blythe, California (NAPSI) - Audrey Hepburn once said “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands: one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” Giving to help others is a tradition with a long history in theUnited States.
And today, many Americans are finding ways to continue helping even after they’re gone. Leaving financial gifts for important causes is one way to help. But another, very personal way to make a difference in the world—and affect many lives—is by signing up as an organ, eye and tissue donor.
Leaving behind the gift of life is a lasting legacy that can truly transform lives. Upon death, one person can save as many as eight lives through organ donation. In addition, the donation of corneas and tissues can significantly enhance the lives of up to 50 more people.
It’s also a gift with no age limit. People in their 50s, 60s, 70s and older can register to be organ, eye and tissue donors. In fact, the oldest organ donor to date was 93 years old.
Donation is an especially important cause when you consider that more than 117,000 men, women and children are currently on the national transplant waiting list to receive a lifesaving organ. Each week, more than 100 of them will die waiting because there are not enough donors.
Organ, eye and tissue donation is a legacy that can be passed along by people of all backgrounds. Anyone can register in minutes. You can sign up today by simply going to www.organdonor.gov and connecting to the state’s registry. Or you can sign up at a motor vehicle office. Be sure to tell your family and caregivers you want to be a donor. Organ donation doesn’t cost a penny to the donor’s estate or family and it often helps surviving families with their grief to know that their loved one was able to share life and hope.
Many of us ask ourselves “What will be my legacy to the world, to mankind?” The gift of life is one contribution that anyone can decide to make right now to save the lives of so many others later on. You can get the facts, learn more about donation and connect to the state’s donor registry at www.organdonor.gov.
