| Senator Rob Kane (R-32) recently
joined constituents and other legislators at a National
Donate Life Month event at the State Capitol. The event
was organized by Donate Life Connecticut, a volunteer
coalition of professionals, donor family members, and
transplant recipients that are dedicated to educating
the public about the life-saving benefits of organ and
tissue donation.
“I was so moved by the stories I heard that
day from people who benefited from the generosity of
those who chose to save the lives of others when their
own lives could not be saved. Deciding to become an
organ and tissue donor is an act of kindness and, from
my point of view, an expression of one’s belief
that life is a precious gift to be shared,” said
Senator Kane, adding that he is now making
plans to register as an organ and tissue donor.
Those attending the event included David Yish, a 42-year
old Oxford resident who is celebrating his second anniversary
as a heart transplant recipient. He said that Oxford
is among the communities in Connecticut flying a Donate
Life flag in April as part of the national “Flags
Across America” initiative to raise awareness
of organ donation.
“I was truly blessed with a second chance at life
on April 4, 2007 when I received my transplant at Hartford
Hospital. Since then, I have returned to work full time,
managed to improve my condition enough to run a few
5 K races, and I became involved with Donate Life Connecticut.
Donate Life Connecticut gives me the opportunity to
speak publicly about my transplant and, in some way,
give back for all I have received. I genuinely appreciate
that Rob came and expressed sincere support for our
efforts on behalf of Organ, Eye, and Tissue donation,”
said David Yish.
According to Donate Life Connecticut, there currently
more than 101,000 patients on the national transplant
waiting list, and 18 people die every day due to the
shortage in organs. According to the organization, organ
donation can occur with a deceased donor, who can give
kidneys, pancreas, liver, lungs, heart, intestinal organs,
or with a living donor who can give a kidney, or a portion
of the liver, lung, intestine, or pancreas. Deceased
donors can also give corneas, skin, bone and heart valves.
Further information about organ donation and becoming
an organ donor is available at www.donatelifect.org.
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