Monday, April 20, 2009

Tragic End To Organ Donation Run

My condolences go to the family and friends of this young man who was running in an effort to save lives by encouraging organ donation awareness. Let's hope that his death will not be in vain and that the publicity generated by his tragic loss will lead to more people registering to become organ donors.

PHILADELPHIA CBS 3.com

An event to inspire those to save a life had a tragic end after the collapse of a teenage runner Sunday morning.

Officials said a 19-year-old student at Furness High School collapsed while participating in the "Dash for Organ Donor Awarness" with classmates.

The student was rushed to an area hospital where they were pronounced dead. Further details were not immediately available.

Thousands participated in the run, including transplant candidates, recipients, family members, hospital personnel and donor family members.

The annual "dash" is just one of several events held through the month in the Delaware Valley by the Gift of Life donor program.

"It's our signature event," said John Green, Community Relations director for the Gift of Life. "It's one of our ways to highlight the critical need for more organ and tissue donors."

April is designated as National Donate Life Month with more than 100,000 people awaiting life-saving organ transplants.

“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”

Register to be a donor in Ontario or Download Donor Cards from Trillium Gift of Life Network
For other Canadian provinces click here

In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov

In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register

In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register

Your generosity can save up to eight lives with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants. One tissue donor can help up to 100 other people by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves

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