Still a critical need for donors on the 20th anniversary of National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week
OTTAWA, ON--(Marketwired - April 24, 2017) - For those who are waiting for a lifesaving transplant, organ or tissue donation is top of mind. For the rest of us -- less so. As part of this year's National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week (NOTDAW), Canadian Blood Services along with provincial organ donation organizations across the country are asking Canadians to answer the call and register to be a donor.
"Every day in Canada, more than 4,600 people are waiting for news that a donor has been found. But sadly, each year more than 250 Canadians who need a transplant die before receiving one," says Kimberly Young, Canadian Blood Services' director of donation and transplantation.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of NOTDAW. Legislation creating the week was brought forward by former Member of Parliament Dan McTeague as a tribute to the family of pediatric organ donor Stuart Herriott, whose gift saved four lives and whose memory continues to inform people of the critical need for more organ and tissue donors in Canada. To help mark this occasion, Canadian Blood Services and organ donation organizations across the country are asking all Canadians to consider organ donation and registering their intent at organtissuedonation.ca. Another important step includes having a conversation with loved ones -- those who would act on your behalf during a medical emergency -- to ensure wishes are clear.
A 20th anniversary story
Alberta's Kevin Skogstad is living proof of how much organ donation matters. In his early twenties, he was diagnosed with a life-threatening kidney disease. Skogstad's kidneys began to fail and for 18 months, his life revolved around dialysis as he got weaker and toxins took over his body.
While all his friends were busy making plans and building careers, Skogstad wasn't sure he had a future in store. But he was one of the lucky ones, and 18 months later the call he had been waiting for came -- a kidney had been found. Later this year, he will mark the 20th anniversary of his kidney transplant. Since then, he has married, had three children he adores, built a career, spent countless hours refereeing hockey and travelled all over the world.
"I'm about to hit 20 years. That's a big deal and a positive thing for transplant. For those people going through this, it can give them hope," he says. "It certainly changed my life. I wouldn't have a life without it."
Events this week
National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week runs from April 23 to 29. During this time, Canadian Blood Services will promote organ and tissue donation at select blood donor clinics, with the help of volunteers from partners at provincial organ donation organizations, who will be on hand to talk about organ donation.
Green is the official colour of organ and tissue donation, symbolizing the hope organ donors provide to patients in need and their families. As part of the awareness week, organ donation advocates across the country will wear green ribbon pins. Landmarks from coast to coast will also be lit up in green to remind Canadians of all the men and women who have died waiting for transplants, and to express gratitude to organ and tissue donors and their families for giving the greatest gift of all, the gift of life.
For more information and for links to provincial organ donation organizations, visit the Canadian Blood Services website at organtissuedonation.ca
The stories:
There are powerful stories just like Kevin's from across the country. Here are just a few, but contact us to learn more.
About Canadian Blood Services
Canadian Blood Services manages the national supply of blood, blood products and stem cells, and related services for all the provinces and territories (excluding Quebec). We operate an integrated, pan-Canadian service delivery model that includes leading an interprovincial system for organ donation and transplantation. Our national scope, infrastructure and governance make us unique in the Canadian healthcare landscape. Canadian Blood Services is regulated as a biologics manufacturer by Health Canada and primarily funded by the provincial and territorial ministries of health. Canadian Blood Services is a not-for-profit charitable organization.
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Contact Information:
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Canadian Blood Services
Tel: 1 877 709 7773
Email: media@blood.ca