Trillium Gift of Life Network Honors Mother’s Day

Reminds Ontarians there are 632 women on the organ transplant waiting list

May 11, 2007 -Toronto, ON - Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) is honoring all women on the organ transplant waiting list by reminding families that Mother’s Day is an opportune time to sign their donor cards and speak to their families about their organ donation wishes.

“As you are picking out a special gift and visiting family this weekend, please take a moment to think about another kind of gift, the gift of life,” said Frank Markel, President and CEO of TGLN.

“This is my first Mother’s Day since receiving my heart and double lung transplant last December,” said Dana Trude, a mother of two from Kitchener. “I am so eternally grateful to my donor family for giving me the most amazing gift of all, my life which has enabled me to be an active mom again and enjoy the numerous special occasions yet to come.”

Today in Ontario, there are 632 women waiting for an organ transplant. These women are mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and friends to many and each continues to wait for the gift of life.

Everyone is a potential organ and tissue donor. The oldest Canadian organ donor to date was over 90 years of age while the oldest tissue donor was 102. Ultimately the ability to become an organ and tissue donor depends on several factors including the health of the organs and tissue at the time of death. TGLN is urging people to take a moment to speak to their family this weekend about signing your donor card and talk about your wishes.

“You can express your wishes to become an organ and tissue donor by signing a donor card and talking to your loved ones,” said Markel. “It's critical to share your decision with your family, as they will be asked for final consent to donate your organs after your death. Discuss your intentions with them this Mother’s Day and give them a copy of your signed donor card so they can understand, support and respect your wishes in the future.”

For more details on Trillium Gift of Life Network please visit their website or call 416.363.4001 or toll free 1-800-263-2833.

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.