2016-0221
Title
Proclamation: "Team Louisiana's Organ Donor Awareness Month"
Body
P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, in the United States there are 120,864 people in need of a life-saving organ transplant and 2,089 are here in Louisiana. Sadly, every ten minutes someone is added to the national transplant waiting list and on average, 22 people die each day while waiting for a transplant; and,
WHEREAS, this June we lift up the thousands of individuals across America who have received the gift of life through organ, eye, and tissue donations, and their donor families as they compete in the Transplant Games of America in Cleveland, Ohio. We wish to honor the 26 athletes (one of which is a cornea recipient) and three donor families participating with Team Louisiana especially the three athletes that reside in St. Charles Parish, Tyrone Cooper, Jamie Napolitano, and Tina Jean Pitre; and,
WHEREAS, we honor those who have saved lives in the past by donating organs, we recommit to supporting the researchers, innovators, advocates, and medical professionals working to reduce the number of people awaiting vital organ transplants; and,
WHEREAS, by registering to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor, one person may save the lives of up to nine people, restore the sight of two individuals, and improve up to 50 lives through tissue donation. A rising demand for organs exists without enough organs to meet it, making the urgency for those willing and able to donate even more critical and the need for innovation and support even more imperative; and,
WHEREAS, anyone can indicate their desire to be a donor, regardless of age or medical history, and we encourage all citizens to consult with their family members and communicate their choice. More information on donation and opportunities to register can be found by visiting www.donatelifeLA.org; and,
WHEREAS, progress has been made and great promise exists, but much work remains to help the more than 120,864 Americans on the...
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