The act of saving a life or enhancing someone’s quality of life through donation is an unparalleled display of kindness. Sometimes, these acts of generosity result in dramatic rescues, like pulling someone from the brink of drowning. Other times, the heroes involved receive little recognition. This is particularly true for organ, eye, tissue, blood, and marrow donors. Every February 14th, these selfless contributions are spotlighted on National Donor Day.
Established in 1998, National Donor Day serves as a platform to honor donors and recipients alike, while also raising awareness about the critical importance of various types of physical donations, ranging from blood donations to life-saving transplants. As per the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), the United States currently has over 100,000 individuals on the national transplant waiting list, with an alarming average of 17 people losing their lives each day while awaiting a transplant.
In a touching video featured above, witness the powerful moment when a grieving mother meets the woman whose life was saved by the kidney donation from her late son. A single donor has the potential to save multiple lives, yet the number of registered donors falls short of meeting the demand. While registering as an organ and tissue donor may involve confronting one’s own mortality, it stands as a noble act that can bestow the invaluable gift of life upon others in the event of an untimely passing.
To participate in National Donor Day, consider taking the following actions: signing up to donate blood, sharing your personal story if you are a donation recipient, exploring the process of becoming a registered donor, and engaging in conversations with your loved ones about organ and tissue donation. National Donor Day is not only a day of education and celebration but also an open invitation to contribute towards saving and healing more lives.
For heartwarming stories and positive news, look no further than Humankind! Click here to share your uplifting, adorable, or inspiring video moments for us to showcase. Additionally, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here to receive our top stories of the week directly in your inbox. This article was originally published on USA TODAY and sheds light on National Donor Day as a day dedicated to acknowledging the invaluable contributions of donors and recipients alike.
