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About the Gift of Donation
National Donate Life Month, 2003
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Advances in medical research and technology are helping our citizens to live longer and better lives. An important aspect of these improvements is transplant technology. Today, up to 50 lives can be saved or enhanced by just one organ and tissue donor. During National Donate Life Month, we honor living and deceased donors and their families across our Nation who have renewed the lives of others, and we call upon more Americans to follow their example.
Through our Nation's organ and tissue donor programs, thousands of Americans have given the gift of life. In 2002, 24,851 organ transplants and 32,744 corneal transplants were performed in the United States. In addition, the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry facilitated an average of 173 transplants each month. These donors' spirit of giving reflects the compassion of our great Nation.
Unfortunately, the current rate of donation is inadequate to meet the growing needs of our fellow Americans. Nearly 81,000 of our citizens are on the national organ transplant waiting list. Each day, an average of 68 of these individuals receive an organ transplant, yet another 17 on the waiting list die. As a Nation, we must strive to meet the needs of all Americans awaiting such donations.
Through the "Gift of Life Donation Initiative," my Administration is working to educate our Nation about the importance of becoming a donor. During National Donate Life Month, more than 6,000 partners, including Federal agencies, State governments, private industries, unions, fraternal organizations, and associations have committed to promoting organ and tissue donation awareness. As a result, millions of Americans will learn about the many ways they can help those in need and save lives.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2003 as National Donate Life Month. I call upon our citizens to sign an organ and tissue donor card and to be screened for bone marrow donation. I also urge healthcare professionals, volunteers, educators, government agencies, and private organizations to help raise awareness of the important need for organ and tissue donors in communities throughout our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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About Johnny, a donor, as told by his wife Yolanda
Immediately upon Johnny's death, I was asked if I would donate his eyes, bone, and body tissue. Without any hesitation, I agreed on giving someone else the opportunity to be able to see, or the opportunity to walk, or even feel. Giving someone else a chance to live a normal life would have been his legacy. My greatest wish and desire is that everyone would consider donating their loved one's organs and tissues to experience the great joy and peace we now know from helping others in need. |
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About a donor, Jackie, as described by her family
She was only nineteen when the Lord decided to take her home. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. Jackie was such a giving and loving person. Through Legacy of Life she is still giving to many others who will never have the chance to meet her or get to know her. But, she knows of her gift! |
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About a donor, Bobby, as told by his wife Edna
In making this donor quilt, I thought how much Bobby loved life, his family, friends and most of all me, his wife of 30 years. He was the kind of person that would help anybody, family, friends or even strangers, if he could. That is why he wanted to be an organ and tissue donor, so he could give life to other people even after his death. That was his loving wish for his great love of life. |
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