April is National Donate Life Month, the perfect time to register as an organ donor
As Illinois commemorates National Donate Life Month during April, it is important to remember that every 13 minutes a person is added to the national organ waiting list of 105,000 patients, 4,700 of which are from Illinois, and 18 die every day because they do not receive the organ they need.
Latinos who are thinking about becoming organ donors and embracing their ability to give life have to confront one of the principle myths that exist, that diabetics cannot be organ donors.
“Practically anyone, regardless of age, race or sex – or many health conditions – can become an organ and tissue donor,” said Raiza Mendoza, Latino Affairs Coordinator for Gift of Hope. “Every time I explain to people with diabetes that they can be organ donors, their response is incredibly positive. They are very pleased to be able to sign up, because they mistakenly thought they were not eligible. In time, a medical evaluation is done to decide which organs can be donated. So please do not exclude yourself from signing up to become a donor.”
According to data from the National Institute of Health, 10.4% of Latinos in the United States suffer from diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common among the Hispanic community and is a metabolic disease produced by deficiencies in the quantity or use of insulin, resulting in an excess of glucose in the blood.
“Signing up as an organ donor is an urgent necessity and it is an act of generosity that is recognized nationally during the month of April,” Mendoza said. She also explained that it is during this month that tribute is paid to the organ donors and their families, “since their gift of hope has saved the lives of people that found themselves in a desperate situation, not knowing if they would survive.”
Historically, organizations like Gift of Hope welcomed spring with a week of activities to increase awareness around organ donation. However, during his 2001-2005 term, Tommy G. Thompson, former Secretary of Health, decided to extend this period to an entire month.
“Recognizing that spring was a time of renewal in nature, he declared that the month of April would be a reminder to all people of their own power to renew life through the gift of donation,” Mendoza explained.
For more information or to register as a donor, call (630) 758-2744, or visit www.giftofhope.org or www.donatelifeillinois.net.
About Gift of Hope
A federally designated non-profit organization, Gift of Hope coordinates the process of organ and tissue donation, provides professional education, and supports donor families in northern Illinois and northeast Indiana.
View All Community
