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Donors Needed--Always

UK Healthcare staff, organ transplant recipients and members of KODA, which stands for Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates launched a new license plate today to kick start National Donate Life month.

Amelia Wilson is in her early 30’s, but she says she’ll be celebrating her 10th birthday on Saturday.  That’s the anniversary of the day she received a liver transplant that changed her life.  “I say my life really began because I guess I didn’t realize how sick I really was.  I’ve been able to finish school here and to get married and to have a normal life.  Trust me.  I don’t take a single moment for granted.”

On the other end of the spectrum is Margie Gray, whose part of what’s known as a donor family.  Her husband died of a heart attack three years ago and had filled out the organ donor card on the back of his license.  Gray choked back tears as she talked about the grief of losing her husband and the joy of his life changing gift.  “He was able to give somebody else something that life could go on.  People can see who couldn’t see.  They can go on and enjoy their families.”

Both women joined other donors and donor families at UK hospital Wednesday to raise a flag outside the building commemorating National Donor Life month and to show support for a new state license plate asking everyone to become a donor.  Sales of the plate will benefit the state organ donor program.