Be A Donor Month: An Open Letter From President Lee Fairclough
To St. Mary’s General Hospital staff, physicians and community,
Today, almost 1,600 Ontarians are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and every three days, someone will die waiting. April is BeADonor Month and I encourage you to join the more than four million Ontarians that have registered as an organ and tissue donor.
By registering to be a donor, you recognize that your death can have the power to save or change someone’s life. In fact, one donor can save up to eight lives through the gift of heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas and intestines. Another 75 lives can be enhanced through the gift of tissue: eyes can restore sight; skin can help burn patients; bones can be used for joint replacements; heart valves can help patients with congenital heart disease; and tendons and ligaments can help recipients walk and run.
Registering your consent for organ and tissue donation will give hope to those waiting. To register or learn more, visit www.beadonor.ca. Register today and share your donation decision with your family. Make sure to show your support by taking part in BeADonor Month activities, including sharing social media posts and stories about organ and tissue donation.
I have had the opportunity to speak with people whose lives were changed by the generosity of organ donors. It motivated me many years ago to ensure my wishes to support someone in need, should the circumstance arise, by registering and consenting.
Together, we can help build a nation of donors.
Sincerely,
Lee Fairclough
President, SMGH