Faith Communities Focus on Tissue Donation During National Donor Sabbath

SAN ANTONIO -- November 12 – 14, 2010 marks National Donor Sabbath, established to educate faith communities about the urgent need for tissue, organ and cornea donations. In an effort to help create awareness about donation, Bexar County Commissioner Sergio “Chico” Rodriguez will proclaim the weekend National Donor Sabbath at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, November 9, 2010, at Bexar County Commissioners Court.

Most mainstream and organized religions believe tissue, organ and cornea donation is a generous act of charity. To celebrate National Donor Sabbath, the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center (STBTC) encourages religious leaders of various denominations to raise awareness within their congregations to register to pass on these gifts of hope so that others may live longer, fuller lives. This is a great opportunity to educate the faith community about the ongoing need for donations in hopes of closing the gap between donors and recipients.

A single tissue donor can help more than 50 lives and there are thousands of people waiting for donated tissue grafts. Gifts of tissue help people walk again and allow a disabled parent to work and care for their child. Donated organs give recipients precious time with loved ones and friends. Together, one donor can give many recipients a second chance at life.

Although most Americans support tissue, organ and cornea donation, many would-be donors don’t know how to properly register. Make your wishes known about becoming a tissue and organ donor by registering with the Glenda Dawson Donate Life Texas Registry, asking for the “Donor” sticker to be placed on your driver’s license and talking to your family about your wish to donate.

For more information, visit the Tissue Program page or register at www.donatelifetexas.org.