What do you want your legacy to be?

What do you think people will say about you after you die? What do you want your legacy to be? There are so many people in this world who pray that your legacy will be that you are their hero. You have the power to impact countless lives. You may even have the power to save the lives of people just like you. I'm talking about the power of choice and the choice to become an organ and tissue donor.

17 people will die today waiting on an organ transplant

More than 97,000 Americans are on the transplant waiting list, approximately 4,000 of these people are in the Tennessee area.

Every 11 minutes another name is added to the waiting list, thats 130 people added everyday.

Of all the people on the waiting list, 60% of them will die before receiving a transplant.

Only 30% of Americans are registered organ donors.

20,000 transplantable organs are buried or cremated every year.

A single donor can donate 8 organs upon death: the heart, two lungs, liver, two kidneys, pancreas, and intestines. A donor can also donate multiple tissues: eyes, bones, skin, heart valves, etc.

How to become an Organ Donor:

• Sign the back of your driver's license or carry a donor card.
• Register online at donatelifetn.org
• Most importantly talk to your family - after death a next-of-kin is consulted before donation can take place.

Registering to be an organ donor is quick and easy. This is a gift that will cost you nothing and is the most valuable gift you can give.

What do you want your legacy to be?

Resources: Mayo Foundation www.mayoclinic.org
Tennessee Donor Services www.donatelifetn.org