April is organ and tissue donation awareness month. My life was touched by this subject eight years ago when my brother received a heart transplant. Many people know about the need for organ and tissue donation but may not have spent much time thinking about it. Those who are in need of a transplant greatly outnumber available organs. As of today, 91,000 men, women, and children are awaiting a transplant. 2,000 people in Missouri and 1,000 people in Kansas are awaiting a life-saving transplant. 17 people per day or 6,205 per year die due to a lack of available organs for transplant.
Gift of Life was founded in Kansas City in 1996 by Kim and Nate Harbur. When their son, Luke, needed a pediatric liver transplant nine years ago, the shortage of available organs and lack of awareness became apparent. During this time, Melody and Kris Drake lost their eight year old son, Aaron, due to a tragic accident while camping in the Ozarks. Luke received Aaron’s liver and now lives a full life as a happy ten year old. Following his recovery, the Harburs joined forces with others, including the Drake family, to create Gift of Life, a nonprofit organization that offers programs and information to schools, civic groups and all spiritual communities.
The Gift of Life Lifesavers Program is currently in 60 high schools throughout the metro area, reaching over 25,000 high school students last year. They are working this year to put in place a mentor program which would pair a transplant candidate with someone who has already received the type of transplant he or she is awaiting.
Becoming an organ donor is a very personal decision. Gift of Life was created in order to educate people so they may make an informed decision. If you do decide it is the right choice for you let your family know your wishes. It is helpful to sign your driver’s license, but that is only an intent and not a consent to donate organs and tissue.
For more information about organ and tissue donation as well as this wonderful organization or to schedule a program, please contact Kim Harbur at 916.851.1947 or visit their website at giftdonor.org.