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Give the gift of Life. As of October 14, 2004, more than 87,000 men, women, and children were on the organ transplant waiting list. Donation and transplantation saves lives, yet the need for organs far exceeds the supply. From January 1-October 8, 2004, 15,660 transplants from 8,194 donors had been received. Those who donate organs, tissue, marrow, and blood share gifts beyond measure.

Thousands more critically ill individuals could be helped if more organs were available. Each day 17 people die, on average, because the healthy organ that could have replaced their failing heart, kidney, liver, lung, or pancreas is not available. Each year in the United States, thousands need corneal or other tissue transplants. An average of 3,000 individuals at any given time are searching for an unrelated marrow donor.

About National Donor Sabbath

Faith communities throughout the country will observe National Donor Sabbath on November 12-14 this year. The United Methodist Church will observe it on November 14. National Donor Sabbath helps to increase awareness of the critical need for organs and tissues and the miracle of transplantation. This seventh annual interfaith celebration of life will stress the importance of donation. Religious leaders who participate in discussions of donation with their congregants can affirm that choosing to be an organ and tissue donor offers the opportunity to share the greatest blessing of all-- the gift of life. Participation in National Donor Sabbath has increased each year, but, because of the great need for transplants, more individuals must become aware of donation.

Faith communities throughout the country observe National Donor Sabbath to increase awareness of the critical need for organs and tissues and the miracle of transplantation. This annual interfaith celebration of life stresses the importance of donation. Religious leaders who lead discussions of donation with their congregants affirm that choosing to be an organ and tissue donor offers the opportunity to share the greatest blessing of all -- the gift of life.

As participation in National Donor Sabbath increases and more individuals become aware of donation, one message is repeated time and again: make a decision about being an organ and tissue donor, sign a donor card, indicate your wishes on your driver's license, and tell your family. For a family who has lost a loved one and is considering donation, knowing the loved one's wishes in advance helps provide assurance that the right decision is made.

Quotations

'I think now more than ever, I really understand the meaning of Acts 20:35 'It is more blessed to give than to receive,' said Kathy Gilbert, a writer for United Methodist News Service who donated a kidney to her step-father David Long. 'I can't begin to describe the joy I feel knowing David is getting better. It is still hard for me to believe I actually went through with everything. Maybe saying this is my year of living dangerously is a little over the top. Maybe it is more accurate to say this was the year I stepped out on faith and was richly blessed by God.' [Read the complete story.]

'I received two corneas and my sight has returned,' said Reverend Pat McKinney, senior minister at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Cincinnati. 'I count among my blessings every day the donors of these two corneas and give thanks for the gifts they gave. It is a beautiful world. I encourage everyone, especially my fellow religious leaders, to consider becoming organ and tissue donors. The gifts you give are meaningful beyond understanding.'

'I know that places of worship are unique settings to talk about the precious gifts of life,' said the Reverend Canon Dalton D. Downs, heart transplant recipient and Rector of St. Timothy?s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. 'Regardless of race, religion, or culture, we can come together and help educate and lift awareness and ask for a response. . . by sharing the gift of life. Let us be faithful stewards and share this gift with others in need.'

What Can You Do?

Plan National Donor Sabbath Activities...

• Decide who will organize your National Donor Sabbath and what you want to do.
• Team up with local organizations, such as organ procurement organizations, coalitions on donation, tissue and eye banks, and related voluntary associations.
• Hold a donor drive to encourage individuals to sign donor cards and discuss their wishes with their families.
• Host a donor awareness workshop, prayer breakfast, or health fair with an information display on donation and presentations by living donors, donor families, transplant recipients, patients awaiting transplantation, or transplant professionals.
• Organize a candle lighting ceremony to honor living and non-living donors, donor families, and recipients.
• Visit living donors, recipients, and transplant candidates at your local hospital.

Spread the Word...

• Include donor information in your newsletter, bulletin, web site, or e-mail.
• Discuss organ/tissue donation in sermons and classes.
• Invite speakers to address your congregation, including members who want to share their own donation experiences.
• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about the critical need for organ and tissue donation.