CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Over 100,000 individuals across the U.S. are awaiting life-saving organ transplants, as reported by the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network.
Throughout National Donate Life Month, they're collaborating with Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana to motivate individuals to sign up as donors.
Each of Carle’s eight hospitals is striving to assist with organ donations and provide comfort to families during this time. Katie Shelton experienced this firsthand following the loss of her 23-year-old son, Kendrick, who passed away in an accident last year.
I miss you more than words can describe most days," Shelton stated. "The agony of losing you is almost too much to bear, yet finding solace in knowing you saved lives brings me comfort. Thank you for allowing me to be your mommy for those precious 23 years.
Kendrick's organs have been donated to individuals ranging from young children to older adults across multiple states such as North Carolina, Ohio, and Illinois. His contributions have resulted in saving five lives and improving another ten through bone tissue transplants.
Carle's community has also experienced the effects of organ donation.
Harley Brooks is employed with the healthcare network and is marking over ten years since his heart transplant. He mentioned that the donated organ has enabled him to continue caring for patients at Carle.
[Organ donation] doesn’t just save lives; it completely changes them," Brooks stated. "The work I do now wouldn’t have been possible without looking back after leaving the hospital and considering what truly matters in life and what makes it worthwhile.
He mentioned that there was a period when he felt as though he was confronting death directly, yet on Thursday, he joined other registrants in encouraging others to sign up for the registry.
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