Farmingville, NY - Recently, Councilwoman Jane Bonner (center) and fellow organ donors Brookhaven Town Historian Barbara Russell (left) and Town Chief of Staff Emily Pines (right) joined to help spread the word that October 8 is Donor Day in New York State. Donor Day was created to increase awareness and reinforce the importance of organ and tissue donation. There are nearly 10,000 New York residents on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant and currently the state ranks last among all 50 states in the percentage of people who are registered as organ and tissue donors. In recognition of Donor Day, Councilwoman Bonner also produced a special video for Stony Brook University Hospital. It is currently available for viewing on the Town of Brookhaven website.
Councilwoman Bonner said, “Every 18 hours a New Yorker dies waiting for an organ transplant, and that’s one person too many. As a living organ donor, I can say first-hand that nothing compares to giving the gift of life to someone in need. Go to the website and register today. It is one of the most rewarding things that you will ever do.”
Chief of Staff Emily Pines said, “Although it was some years ago, I still keep in touch with the person whose life was saved because I made the decision to be an organ donor. I encourage everyone to visit the website and find out all you can. It only takes a few minutes to register and you’ll be happy that you took the first step to saving a life.”
Town Historian Barbara Russell said, “To be a donor is truly a gift of life to a recipient. Someone out there needs you.”
The learn more about becoming a living organ donor, or to register as one, please visit the New York State Donate Life Registry.
