SENATE RESOLUTION

8639

BySenators Rivers, Lovelett, Saldaña, Short, and J. Wilson

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 heal the lives of others through organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation; and

WHEREAS, There are nearly 106,000 courageous Americans awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant, with 22 individuals losing their lives every day because of the shortage of organs for transplant; and

WHEREAS, Every 10 minutes, a person is added to the national organ transplant waiting list; and

WHEREAS, One organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people and heal many more through cornea and tissue donation; 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 healed; and

WHEREAS, Organ donation offers transplant recipients a second chance at life, enabling them to be with their families and maintain a higher quality of life; and

WHEREAS, The families of organ, eye, and tissue donors receive gratitude from grateful recipients whose lives have been saved by transplantation; 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; and

WHEREAS, Donate Life America has designated April as National Donate Life Month;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor April as National Donate Life Month to remember those who have donated, and celebrate the lives of the recipients.