2003-0088
Title
Proclamation: "National Eye Donor Awareness Month"
Body
P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, organ donations are a vital part of the practice of medicine today. As the population lives longer and with the spread of communicable diseases, the availability of viable donor tissue becomes a greater problem than ever. The need grows, and so does the shortage; and,
WHEREAS, corneal transplants were first performed just after the turn of the century and led the way in the field of organ transplantation and the medical profession recognized immediately that this would be the future; and,
WHEREAS, the cornea is the clear window at the front of the eye. When this window becomes clouded or opaque, vision is compromised. This may occur as a result of disease or trauma. It may occur to anyone, at any age. A corneal transplant can restore sight to anyone at any age suffering from corneal dystrophy; and,
WHEREAS, over 46,000 corneal transplants are performed yearly in the United States, restoring precious sight to young and old; and,
WHEREAS, to provide eye tissue for transplantation, research and education, the public must know there is a need. Without the assistance of the general public, patients would wait in darkness and pain for a considerable amount of time. It is important to know that anyone can be a donor regardless of cataracts and poor vision, and,
WHEREAS, many families of deceased patients are willing to and capable of stepping beyond the bounds of grief to choose vision for another they will never know. They find comfort in knowing their loved one will make an impact so large with such a small donation; and,
WHEREAS, it is so simple to provide this special gift. It should not be forgotten. Public education is the best way to increase donation, as it enables people to talk to their loved ones and learn of their wishes before times of crisis and grief.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE ST. CHARLES PARIS...
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