(April 10, 2008)  Almost 100,000 men, women and children in this country currently need life-saving organ transplants. Every 12 minutes another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list. According to the National Kidney Foundation, 18 people in this country die every day while waiting for organs. That is why the Foundation has been a driving force in declaring April as National Donate Life Month.

"In the more than 50 years since the first organ transplant, organ donations have moved well beyond the experimental stage and can offer a both quantity and quality of life to the recipients," said Louise Easter, RN. "Organ donations have saved more than 100,000 lives. The science and technology continue to improve, but the number of organ donors can't meet the need. One organ donor can save or enhance up to 50 lives. It is also possible for live donors to give the gift of life through kidney or partial liver or lung donation.

"The decision to be an organ or tissue donor is a two-step process," Mrs. Easter advised. "You not only need to make the decision and sign a donor card and/or put it on your driver's license, but you also need to share your decision with your family. Sharing your decision with your family spares them the added burden of having to guess your wishes at a difficult time. Since none of us know the day or the hour of our death, it's important to tell your family now."

Quick facts on organ donations:

• FACT: Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race or medical history.
• FACT: All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donations and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.
• FACT: Donors and their family members pay nothing for the gift. Any costs associated with the transplant are paid by the recipient.
• FACT: The organ allocation and distribution system is blind to wealth or social status. The wait is governed by blood type, length of time on the waiting list, severity of illness and other medical criteria. Race, gender, age, income or celebrity status is not considered.
• FACT: Organ and tissue donation has no affect on lifesaving efforts if you are ever severely injured. Recovery takes place only after all efforts to save your life are exhausted and death is legally declared. The medical team treating you is completely separate from the transplantation team and the transplant team is not notified until all lifesaving efforts have failed.
• FACT: Indicating a desire for organ donation on your driver's license or in your will is not enough. Your driver's license may not be readily available, and can be over-ruled by family wishes. And, by the time your will is read, it will be too late to recover your organs. Telling your family NOW that you want to be an organ and tissue donor is the best way to ensure that your wishes are carried out.
• FACT: An open casket funeral after organ donation is possible. Through the entire donation process, the donor body is treated with care, respect and dignity.

"While 90% of Americans say they support donation, only 30% know the essential steps necessary to become a donor," Ms. Easter concluded. "You have the power to give someone a second chance at life. You can give a child a future, grant a young mother the time to raise her children or give a couple the chance to live out their love story. Organ donation isn't about death and sadness. It's about living and life. You can donate life."