June 14, 2007 – Toronto, ON – Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) is honoring Father’s Day by reminding families that this occasion is an opportune time to sign their donor cards and speak to their families about their wishes.
“As you are heading out for a game of catch with your dad, wrapping up a gift or driving home to family, please take a moment to think about another kind of gift, the gift of life,” said Frank Markel, President and CEO of TGLN. “Right now in Ontario there are 1085 men on the organ donation waiting list. Every one of these men could be a friend, an uncle, or even a father or grandfather, and every one of these men continues to wait for the gift that will save his life.”
Today in Ontario, 1743 patients are on the transplant waiting list. Of those, 1085 are men, 629 are women and 29 of those patients are children.
“Before my surgery the thought of ever being a father was unthinkable. Today, because of my heart transplant, I am celebrating my first Father’s Day,” said 33 year-old Eddie Sabat from Woodbridge, Ontario. “My daughter was born just a few days ago –she is amazing. Without my transplant my wife and I would never have known the joy of having children and I am so thankful. I want to remind people, on this special day, that there are lots of dad’s like me out there – please, take a moment, sign your donor card and speak to your family today – I’m living proof that you can save lives.”
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.
Even if you have signed a donor card or are registered as a donor, doctors will still ask your family before recovering organs or tissue.
“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 Father’s Day and give them a copy of your signed donor card so they can understand, support and respect your wishes in the future.”
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. Sign your donor card. Talk to your family about your wishes.
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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