National Donor Sabbath: November 14-16, 2008
Did you know that 12% of the US population are African Americans, 35% of the patients awaiting a kidney transplant are African American if you do nothing 0 lives can be saved.
National Donor Sabbath is observed on the Friday through Sunday that falls two weekends before Thanksgiving. The 3-day observance seeks to include the days of worship of most major religions practiced in the United States.
It is an opportunity for professionals and the faith communities to focus on the gift of life from organ/tissue donation.
It also is a time that faith leaders can bring about the increased awareness of the critical need for donors.
Contrary to what some believe nearly every denomination in the United States supports tissue and organ donation. It is viewed as an act of generosity and compassion.
Although there are more churches participating every year, so does the need for donors increase yearly. More than 28,000 organs were transplanted in 2007 but more than 99,000 people still were on the waiting list as of June 2008.
Organ donation save lives but only if individuals and familys say yes to the request. Transplants are a miracle to both those who receive and also to the families that give. Most families who agree to give although during a time of profound sorrow and pain also realize their generous gift will give someone else the chance to live.
Also today there is the opportunity to become a living donor...this is where an individual signs up to donate to someone a portion of their liver or one of their kidneys while they are still alive.
To learn more about donation procedures for your state...go to
http://www.donate life.net.
Remember one of the most important things you need to do if you have made the decision to become an organ donor...talk about it to your family...you don't have to talk about dying...talk about giving life.
Posted By: Belinda Anderson
Monday, November 10th 2008 at 7:48PM
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