WHEREAS, Many Washington citizens have literally given the gift of life by donating organs, eyes, and tissues; and
     WHEREAS, It is essential that all citizens are aware of the opportunity to save and enhance the lives of others through organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation; and
     WHEREAS, There are more than one hundred thousand courageous Americans awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant, with eighteen individuals losing their lives every day because of the shortage of donations; and
     WHEREAS, Every thirteen minutes a person is added to the national organ donation waiting list; and
     WHEREAS, The organ, eye, and tissue donation from one individual can save or enhance the lives of over fifty people; and
     WHEREAS, Families receive comfort through the grieving process with the knowledge that through organ, eye, and tissue donation another person's life has been saved or enhanced; and
     WHEREAS, Organ donation offers the recipients a second chance at life, enabling them to be with their families and maintain a higher quality of life; and
     WHEREAS, Through organ, eye, and tissue donation a donor and donor's family receives gratitude from the recipient's family and is honored by the enhancement of the recipient's life; and
     WHEREAS, The example set by those who choose to donate reflects the character and compassion of these individuals, whose voluntary choice saves the lives of others;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize April as National Donate Life Month as declared by the Governor and honor those who have donated and celebrate the lives of the recipients.