Florida’s first statewide organ donor registration initiative was announced today by Florida and many support groups as more than 5,000 Floridians are waiting to save lives every day. With the launch of National Donate Life Month in April, the campaign calls for the number of Sunshine residents who will become registered donors of organs, tissues and eyes.
The campaign will directly help save more lives through organ, tissue and eye donations, targeting a diverse range of statewide audiences, including historically unregistered groups. Thousands of neighbors are currently on the waiting list at Florida Transplant Centers, but fewer than two of five have agreed to join the state donor register if they receive or renew their driver licenses.
“Life is an invaluable gift, and organs, organizations, and eye donations are selfless ways to share gifts to expand and enhance others’ lives.” “While waiting for a transplant, there are so many Florida people almost dying. Sign up takes just a little while, but that moment can change so many lives and expand the legacy of all donors.”
Saves up to 8 lives and heals dozens more
On average, one organ donor can save up to eight lives, while one organizational donor can increase the lives of more than 75 people. Furthermore, corneal transplantation from an ocular donor can restore vision in many individuals.
“I was literally not here because of the generous organ donation of young women whose life ended too early,” said Chris Vanni of Scottsmoor, a Scottsmoor, who received his new liver when Tallahassee resident Amy Sachs died on May 31, 2023, when Tallahassee resident Amy Sachs died after a major stroke. ” That can make a difference.
Chris is one of three individuals whose life has been extended and strengthened by receiving organs from Amy. Ron Sachs says that his daughter’s final act of kindness was the brave thing his family has ever witnessed. The Mobile Public Service Announcement (PSA) for Donate Life Florida, featuring Aimee Sachs, is available at https://vimeo.com/1070343191?share=copy. Private donations from the Sax family were awarded to the launch of the campaign, and Sachs encouraged other Floridians to contribute to the effort.
“The biggest gift we can give is to make that personal commitment a donor, and the best way to strengthen your own life legacy is to donate your life to others,” said Sachs, honorary chairman of Sachs Media in Tallahassee. “I hope that Amy’s inspiring stories, as well as the stories of many other donors and recipients, will broaden the universe of those who have chosen to leave behind the gifts of life.”
Help your neighbor
With the limited survival rates of most organs, organ donation is essentially an opportunity to help a neighbor, as recipients are likely to be relatively close. Individuals can register with the Florida Organ and Tissue Donor Registry at www.donatelifeflorida.org. Or if you wish to apply or renew your driver’s license, autotag, or ID card.
Registering with an organ donor is free and the individual’s status as an organ donor will not affect medical or funeral arrangements. Most major religions consider organs, tissues and eye donations as acts of love, charity, and life.
Donation Life Florida is a Florida approved nonprofit organization that manages the Joshua Abbott Organ and Organization Donor Registry, as well as the state’s official organs, tissues, and eye donor registry. The statewide campaign to increase donor registrations will be part of a partnership supplemented by key media games and private donations, including key gifts from the Sax family in honor of Amy.
“Florida doesn’t have enough registered organ donors to meet the need,” said Donate Life Chairman Darrigan. “We’re not just talking about numbers, we’re talking about our sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, neighbors, friends and colleagues that depend on balance.”
Former Senate Speaker Kathleen Pasidomo, whose husband John was the organ donor, reflects support for the statewide organ donor registration campaign.
“John meant so much to everyone who knew him. He was the love of my life. He was the guided light of our girls. He was a transformative leader in our community. And ultimately, his tragedy gave life to others,” Pasidomo said.
Registration below 50% target
Last year, fewer than 40% of Floridians responded “yes” to organ donations when obtaining or renewing their Floridians driver’s licenses, according to data from Donate Life Florida. That is, over 60% of Floridians are not registered that simple way. This rate is at the lowest in some of the state’s most populous regions, including southeastern Florida (39%) and southwest Florida (38%). In almost half of Florida’s counties, less than 50% of potential enrollees are in the registry.
“My life today is full of things I feared I would never experience again. Time with family, laughing with friends, now an extraordinary moment. It’s all possible because one person said yes.” “
Organization donation is more than a medical procedure. It is a lasting act of compassion that can ripple through family and community. The choice to register is personal, but the impact is profound. As National Donate Life Month continues, supporters are working to focus on the quiet power of individual behavior and the lives they may live for.
Visit www.donatelifeflorida.org
