Every eight minutes another person is added to the organ transplant waiting list.
April is National Donate Life Month.
One hospital in Monroe County dedicated to organ donation is using this last day to spread hope and awareness with a candle lighting ceremony.
“This candle represents the shared light of hope given through the selfless and heroic act of organ and tissue donation."
Hope radiates brightly for Alison Conklin.
"I count my extra days as bonus days and today is bonus day 560."
Her Gift of Life story is honored today as staff at St. Luke’s Monroe Campus came together in light and prayer to remember those who make it possible.
"May their soul be bound up in the bond of life, a living blessing in our mists."
A year a half ago doctors told Conklin she had only six months to live without a heart transplant.
Conklin explains, "Had Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, which is a genetic condition. My mom had passed away at the age of 42 and I was 42 when I was told I needed a heart to live."
Within three days of being listed on the National Transplant Waiting List, she had a donor.
Conklin says, "Because I lost my mom at a young age, it was really important for me to be there for my kids and so because of this gift I can be."
But that’s not the case for everyone, 17 people die each day waiting for their perfect match. That’s why the hospital in Bartonsville has been shining a light on organ donation all this month.
St. Luke’S Monroe Campus ICU Patient Care Manager Laurie Smickle says, "What we really want family members to talk about with each other, what would you like at the end of your life, what are your wishes and understand how many lives just one person can save. You can save up to eight people’s lives with just one organ donor."
Staff are always on hand to answer your questions and you can find out more at donors1.org There you can also easily register to save lives. The Donate Life Candle continues to glow brightly inside the hospital’s Chapel for those in Monroe County who light the way for others.
