April 4, 2007 - Toronto, ON – As Easter weekend approaches Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) is reminding Ontarians that 1748 men, women and children are still on the organ donation waiting list in this province.
“These numbers are too high,” said Frank Markel, President and CEO of TGLN, “And Ontarians can do something about it. This weekend, as you gather with family for holiday celebrations, please take a moment to speak to your loved ones about your organ donation wishes - Every single person in this province has the ability to save a life – what’s stopping you?”
Today in Ontario, 1748 patients are on the transplant waiting list. Of those, 1086 are men, 632 are women and 30 of those patients are children.
"This has been a very restrictive time in my life," said Linda Lycett, Grandmother of 4 from Etobicoke who has been waiting for a kidney for over 5 years.
"No longer can I stay at my daughter's house with my grandchildren for a few days and my travel days are over. We need to raise awareness about organ donation in Ontario because there are so many people, just like me who want to be able to carry on in our normal lives and feel healthy and productive once again. I am so thankful that dialysis is saving my life, but look forward to having the gift of a kidney transplant, and regaining my freedom once again. Please talk to your family about your organ donation wishes today - you have the power to make a difference to someone like me."
Every three days someone on the organ donation waiting list dies. “It's critical to share your decision with your family, as they will be approached and asked for final consent to donate your organs after your death. This Easter, take a moment, talk to your family and give them a copy of your signed donor card so they can understand, support and respect your wishes in the future. You can save a life.”
Trillium Gift of Life Network is a not-for-profit agency of the Government of Ontario and is responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating and supporting organ and tissue donation across Ontario and improving the system so that more lives can be saved.
For more details on Trillium Gift of Life Network please visit our website or call 416.363.4001 or toll free 1-800-263-2833.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
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