Wednesday, April 1, 2009

April: National Donate Life Month

Today I got to be part of something that moved me deeply. I don't know if you all know that I have been temping at the California Transplant Donor Network in their Community Affairs dept. Today I got to help with the press conference that was held in our lobby where an Oakland City Councilmember presented our CEO with the city's proclamation for this Donate Life California Month. One of the speakers was Officer Jeff Thomason, a Public Information Officer for the Oakland Police Department and it was very touching to hear him talk about his friend Officer Hege, who was signed up to be a donor. The tragedy of his murder did allow Officer Hege to save 4 other people and Officer Thomason was so touched by that, he signed up on the registry today.

We also got to hear from Paul Yang, a liver recipient who was transplanted 21 years ago. He was so grateful to his donor family that he is honoring their legacy by being a tireless volunteer for Donor Awareness.
Jose Zaragoza is a Donor Dad, whose teenage son died in a football accident. Matthew was able to save the lives of even more people who were on the wait list. It was very touching and I can't even imagine what these people go through and the strength they have to talk about their situations.

I have been so amazed at the people I have met and the stories they have shared. It is truly the greatest gift you can give. So please, if you haven't signed up to be a organ donor yet, think about it and go to www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org to get more information or to sign up. Just having the pink dot on your license doesn't mean that your wishes are going to be heeded.
Thanks for reading my Public Service Announcement. Check out Fox News Channel 2 at 6pm and 10pm to see a segment about our press conference!

3 comments:

Pam said...

How cool that you got to participate in this. I have always wanted to get that dot but I have so many thoughts that prevent me from doing it. I know it's the right thing to do for sure but I always wonder about the 'after'.

SharksGirl said...

That sounds very rewarding. Such a cool environment to be in.

- Heather J (in case you didn't know who I was)

Mrs. L said...

We have pink dots but will sign up on that site too.

I always smile when, in my business, we have to wait to pick up a "customer" due to organ donation. The folks I've had to deal with on the phone are always so nice. I know it sounds strange but I wish there was a way we could ask everyone if they would like to donate before we pick up....