For more than 67,000 patients in the U.S., and almost 1,000 patients in the Houston area, April 16-22 marks a significant event - National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week, a nationally celebrated public event that can mean life or death for patients waiting for organ transplants.

Advances in medicine have given hope to people eligible for organ transplants. Today's medical technology means more people are on the waiting list to receive hearts, lungs or kidneys to treat conditions considered untreatable a decade ago. Unfortunately, the waiting lists expand by thousands each year, and not enough organs are available to meet demand. Fewer than half of eligible patients will receive transplants each year. Eight people die every day waiting for available organs.

Most Americans support organ and tissue donation, but many who support donation do not take the simple steps to ensure their organs and tissues could help others. Thousands of organs are lost each year because families do not consent to donation.

"The main reason families decline to donate a loved one's organs is because of uncertainty of the deceased's wishes," says Kimberly Davis, managing director for LifeGift Organ Donation Center's southeast region. "By having a simple family discussion, people can make sure their organs are donated. Their loved ones will also find comfort by granting their wishes."

For more information about organ and tissue donation, and a free donor card, call LifeGift at 713-523-GIFT (4438).

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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