Leaving a Legacy of Hope :: Organ Donation

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This post is sponsored by Legacy of Hope. We are honored to partner with them in encouraging Birmingham women to give life.

Hope. We could all use more of that in our lives right about now, don’t you think? While it’s impossible to fix all that’s currently broken in the world, there is a simple message to share–a simple act that gives hope to others.

Legacy of Hope

Legacy of Hope is the organ, eye, and tissue donor registry for the state of Alabama. They serve as the voice of the donor when she cannot speak for herself. Everyone who says “yes” to organ donation at the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) office is included within Legacy’s organ donor registry. 

If you’re not due to renew for awhile–no worries–simply click here to register to become an organ donor.

Saving Lives 

Did you know that 585 lives were saved in Alabama just last year thanks to organ donors? Did you also know a single donor can save up to eight lives? A single donor can also help countless others through tissue donation. For example, skin is used to treat burn patients, and bone is used to treat orthopedic injuries and cancer patients.

Over 115,000 people are waiting for a lifesaving transplant, and more than 1,500 of those live right here in Alabama.

Every 10 minutes, someone is added to the national organ transplant waiting list. Every day, 20 people die waiting for a lifesaving transplant. The generosity of every donor makes a difference and leaves a legacy.

Start the Dialogue

I vividly remember sitting in one of my college journalism classes when the discussion came up about organ donation. A classmate bravely shared about her father who was awaiting a transplant. She encouraged the class to please check the organ donor box at everyone’s next driver’s license renewal.

Unfortunately, I don’t remember her name to follow up with her, and it’s been nearly twenty years since that class, but we were all touched by her personal story. It really is that easy to become an organ donor: simply check “yes” at your license renewal. 

The Hope Mural

The next time you’re near downtown Birmingham’s Southside, be sure to stop by Legacy of Hope’s new mural, located at 412 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South. It is a beautiful reminder of the power of organ donation and its ability to save lives.

By sharing images in front of this mural, Legacy of Hope aims to inspire Alabamians to sign up to become organ donors and share stories of hope. Take pictures in front of it, post them to social media using the hashtag #ALGiveHope, and start the dialogue.

For more information about organ donation and Legacy of Hope, go to legacyofhope.org, and don’t miss the unveiling of their beautiful mural below!