Every day, Estero Fire Rescue responds to life threatening situations. In some cases, due to prolonged illness or disease, the only hope for an individuals survival is an organ transplant.
More than 95,000 people are in need of an organ for transplant. Each day, approximately 77 people get the organ transplant that gives them a second chance, but 17 to 19 others are not so lucky and die before they can receive an organ.
National Donate Life Month was established in 2003 and is recognized each April. Becoming an organ donor is simple. Follow these tips from the US Government site on organ donation: Make It Known Register with your State Donor Registry, if available. Say YES to donation on your driver’s license. Tell your family, friends, physician, and faith leader that you want to be a donor. Fill out and sign a donor card, have it witnessed, carry it with you.
For more information on organ donation, visit www.organdonor.gov.