Save a life, be an organ donor

April has been designated “Organ Donation” month, a subject that does not offer a great deal of public awareness. I have been pleased to see the recent commercials appearing on television. I believe the state of Illinois sponsors them with the slogan “Life goes on.”

I know that there are many people who have chosen to donate their organs at the time of death, but I also believe that there are many others who are unaware of its importance and the great need for donated organs.

I speak on behalf of my daughter, who has been waiting for a lung transplant for almost eight years after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. It is an autoimmune disease that causes the lungs to become like leather, making it impossible to breathe without the constant use of oxygen.

Lung transplant operations have been very successful, and with anti-rejection medications and time their life does go on. There are so many others depending on a donor for other organs as well.

If you are healthy and have the desire, please sign your driver’s license, and consider being a donor. Be sure to make someone in your family aware of your wishes so they are not overlooked at the time.

Dorothy Willing

Batavia