Please join New England Organ Bank in the celebration of National Donate Life Month this April. The month-long celebration showcases various perspectives of those touched by donation and transplantation.  Every year since 2002, April has been filled with stories to spread the lifesaving message of donation in order to motivate people to register as organ, eye and tissue donors. You can become a donor by registering at www.DonateLifeNewEngland.org

Lauren of Chicopee, MA is just one example of an individual who waited for the gift of life.  After a diagnosis of Laing Distal Mystrophy and Cardiomyopathy, at 22 years old she needed a heart transplant to survive.  In December of 2013, thanks to the selfless gift of a person who said yes to donation, Lauren received a new heart and a new chance at life.  She is looking forward to going back to school and getting her college degree.  Lauren tells her story every chance she gets in hopes she will inspire someone to register as a donor and someone else waiting for a lifesaving transplant may also receive the gift of life.

Approximately half of the U.S. adult population is registered as donors.  Still, the number of people in need of transplants continues to outpace the number of donor organs. On average, 21 people die each day because the organs they need are not donated in time. Registering your decision to become a donor is the most effective way to ensure you can save lives through donation and serves as sign of hope to those like Sam who continue to wait.
To register as a donor or for more information about how to get involved, please visit www.DonateLifeNewEngland.org