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The clouds cleared in the sky as UPMC in North Central Pa. leadership, Gift of Life representatives and a local heart transplant recipient raised the Donate Life flag at UPMC Williamsport to signify the start of Donate Life Month on Friday.
Every April, National Donate Life Month is celebrated nationwide to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation, encouraging Americans to register as donors and honoring those who have given the gift of life, according to a press release from UPMC.
Patti Jackson-Gehris, president of UPMC in North Central Pa. and UPMC Williamsport, Swaytha Ganesh, M.D., medical director of UPMC Living Donor Program, and Rick Hasz, CEO of Gift of Life, spoke to the importance of organ donation and the amazing impact it can have, while Lewisburg resident and heart recipient Ron Kerstetter shared his life-saving experience.
"For many, the journey for transplant can be long and challenging. Our teams go above and beyond for the patients and their families," said Jackson-Gehris. "When it comes to organ transplantation, we have access to everything we need to care for those individuals. Unfortunately, today, there is more of a demand than there is a supply. While breakthroughs are happening every day, and UPMC is often at the forefront, we're not at a point for this life-saving work happens without donors. I want to encourage you to spread the word that we need people to consider the impact they can make as a donor."
There are over 106,000 people waiting for a transplant in the U.S., with over 7,000 in Pennsylvania alone, according to the press release.
"Registering as an organ donor is a selfless act with the potential to save up to eight lives," the release said. "Every person who registers to be an organ donor is giving those on the waiting list hope for a second chance at life.
"I am so proud to be a part of the transplant team at UPMC. We have done more than 20,000 transplants across the system on a multitude of organs. That's only possible because of the dedication and compassion of our fantastic transplant team," said Ganesh. "Organ donation warms my heart. It's the ultimate gift of life. You're giving a second chance to the recipient and the people around them. To me, there's nothing better for humanity than organ donation."
To register to become an organ, eye and tissue donor, visit UPMC.com/DonateLife. You can learn more about Transplant Services at UPMC by visiting UPMC.com/Transplant.