WHEREAS, Many Washington citizens have literally given the gift of life by donating an organ; and
     WHEREAS, It is essential that all citizens are aware of the opportunity to save and enhance the lives of others through organ donation and transplantation; and
     WHEREAS, There are currently 85,000 courageous Americans awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant with 18 individuals losing their lives every day because of the shortage of donations; and
     WHEREAS, Every 13 minutes a person is added to the national organ donation waiting list; and
     WHEREAS, Out of the approximately 20,000 deaths that occur each year in the United States under conditions that would allow organs to be taken for transplantation, only 6,400 are registered donors; and
     WHEREAS, With modern medicine it is possible to transplant approximately 25 different organs and tissues, including liver, bone, bone marrow, cartilage, cornea, hearts, kidney, lung, and pancreas; and
     WHEREAS, Organ and tissue donation from one individual can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people; and
     WHEREAS, Families receive comfort through the grieving process with the knowledge that through organ donation, another person's life has been saved; 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 donation a donor 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 Senate of the State of Washington recognize April as Organ Donation Awareness month as declared by the Governor of the State of Washington and does hereby honor those who have donated and celebrate the lives of the recipients.