If you believe the myth that
your contribution can’t possibly
make a noticeable difference,
think again. You—and
you alone—could save the lives
of up to eight people and
enhance the lives of dozens
more just by making the
decision to become an organ
donor after your death.
On Jan. 1, 2007, there were
94,250 patients listed nationally
for organ transplants.
Of those, 3,310 were listed at
transplant centers in Florida.
Each of them is waiting,
patiently, with hope, for the
call that will give them a new
lease on life. They are awaiting
the day the phone rings with a
call from the transplant center
saying, “We have a heart for
you. You need to come to the
hospital.”
There are more than 100
patients in Florida awaiting
heart transplants. Another
125 are in need of new lungs.
Almost 450 people are on the
waiting list for livers, and an
astounding 2,600 people—in
Florida alone—need lifesaving
kidney transplants.
When you say yes to becoming
an organ donor, you graciously
allow part of yourself to live on
after you pass away. You truly
are giving the gift of life, and
your decision can provide a
certain comfort to your family,
knowing your final hours also
became your finest hours.
There are three things you can
do to become an organ donor
in Florida:
- Have a conversation with
your family and tell them
your wishes.
- Sign and carry a donor card,
downloadable from the
Florida Coalition on Donation
at www.fcod.org.
- Join Florida’s organ donor
registry by visiting a motor
vehicle office near you.
Give the gift of life. Consider
organ donation.
www.bcbsfl.com
Donate Life America
www.donatelife.net
LifeQuest Organ
Recovery Services
www.LifeQuestFla.org
Saying “yes” could provide
lifesaving skin grafts to a
firefighter who was burned
trying to save others.
Saying “yes” could remove a
child with cystic fibrosis from
the oxygen tank that has kept
her breathing when her own
lungs have failed, allowing
her to enjoy a life filled with
slumber parties and Girl
Scouts.
