Be a symbol of hope for those who are waiting.
During the weekend of Nov. 10-12, 2017 Blessing Hospital will join clergy and healthcare professionals across the country observing National Donor Sabbath, an interfaith celebration of the gifts of hope provided through organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Together, we will urge people to make faith-based decisions to become organ and tissue donors.
At Blessing Hospital we place a Memory Tree in our lobby. This Memory Tree honors those who await the gift of life, as well as those who have donated. The white lights represent the number of men, women and children awaiting lifesaving organ transplants. The green ribbons, a universal symbol of the gift of hope through organ and tissue donation, commemorate organ and tissue donors.
Nearly all religions in the United States support organ and tissue donation as one of the highest expressions of compassion and generosity. Yet, a common reason families give when they choose not to donate a loved one’s organs and tissues is “donation is against my religion.” In fact, a Gallup poll showed that less than 10 percent of people in the United States are aware that their religions have doctrines regarding donation.
Although these beliefs differ from denomination to denomination, the underlying theme is the same: Organ and tissue donation represents one of the highest forms of compassion and giving. These are basic principles upon which all religions are based.
National Donor Sabbath is also a time to remember those families who suffered the loss of a loved one and yet gave the greatest gift of all, the gift of life. Thoughts and prayers should also focus on the thousands of men, women and children who continue to wait desperately for needed organs and tissues to save or improve their lives.
With a national list of nearly 120,000 men, women and children waiting for the gift of life and thousands more waiting for a life-enhancing tissue or cornea transplant, it’s time for all of us to participate in this educational celebration of life and hope.
Our hospital community joins Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network and religious leaders in spreading the message that by giving of ourselves through organ and tissue donation, we give the gift of life.
Join Illinois’ donor consent registry and help save hundreds more lives each year. To register as a lifesaving donor, visit www.donatelifeillinois.org.
Connie Scott
Chairman Blessing Life Team