Turn a tragedy into a stranger’s salvation this April for ‘Be A Donor Month’

Take two minutes to help save a life – that’s the message from health officials as April is ‘Be a Donor Month’.

Dr. Paul Hosek with Grand River Hospital says the awareness campaign is spearheaded by the Trillium Gift of Life Network.

“It’s a time where Trillium is able to share all the great work they do and information, to let people know about how they can participate in the donation of organs – and helping others with the gift of life.”

If you’re on the fence about it – Hosek says think about the 1,500 people in our province who are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.

“One organ donor can save up to eight lives – and that’s just through organ donation. Through the donation of tissues as well – things like bone, cornea, and skin – those can enhance the lives of up to 75 other people. For example, the donation of a cornea can give someone the gift of sight, the donation of skin can help burn victims – and of course, these are all things that would happen after your death.”

Hosek adds that it’s a way to turn a terrible tragedy into someone else’s benefit.

Logan Boulet is a solemn example of that heroism – as the young man was killed in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash, and donated six of his organs.

“Amazingly heroic, and again it’s a perfect example of where probably the worst tragedy one can imagine becomes someone else’s salvation. That’s why that young man deserves to be called a hero, as do the survivors – his friends, family and all those people – who allowed him to become a participant in the gift of life.”

Here in Ontario, only 32 per cent of eligible donors have formally registered their consent.

Grand River Hospital is doing its part to help raise awareness by hosting a public information session next Thursday morning at 10 a.m.

The event is in partnership with the Transplant Ambassador Program and Life Donation Awareness Association.

To learn more or to register to be a donor, you can click here.

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