Senator Kane Participates In National Donate Life Month Event At State Capitol

Senator Rob Kane (R-32) recently joined constituents and other legislators at a National Donate Life Month event at the State Capitol. The event was organized by Donate Life Connecticut, a volunteer coalition of professionals, donor family members, and transplant recipients that are dedicated to educating the public about the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation.

“I was so moved by the stories I heard that day from people who benefited from the generosity of those who chose to save the lives of others when their own lives could not be saved. Deciding to become an organ and tissue donor is an act of kindness and, from my point of view, an expression of one’s belief that life is a precious gift to be shared,” said Senator Kane, adding that he is now making plans to register as an organ and tissue donor.

Those attending the event included David Yish, a 42-year old Oxford resident who is celebrating his second anniversary as a heart transplant recipient. He said that Oxford is among the communities in Connecticut flying a Donate Life flag in April as part of the national “Flags Across America” initiative to raise awareness of organ donation.

“I was truly blessed with a second chance at life on April 4, 2007 when I received my transplant at Hartford Hospital. Since then, I have returned to work full time, managed to improve my condition enough to run a few 5 K races, and I became involved with Donate Life Connecticut. Donate Life Connecticut gives me the opportunity to speak publicly about my transplant and, in some way, give back for all I have received. I genuinely appreciate that Rob came and expressed sincere support for our efforts on behalf of Organ, Eye, and Tissue donation,” said David Yish.

According to Donate Life Connecticut, there currently more than 101,000 patients on the national transplant waiting list, and 18 people die every day due to the shortage in organs. According to the organization, organ donation can occur with a deceased donor, who can give kidneys, pancreas, liver, lungs, heart, intestinal organs, or with a living donor who can give a kidney, or a portion of the liver, lung, intestine, or pancreas. Deceased donors can also give corneas, skin, bone and heart valves.

Further information about organ donation and becoming an organ donor is available at www.donatelifect.org.