In the United States, there are over 110,000 people with end stage organ failure on the waiting list for organ and tissue transplants. An average of 18 men, women and children die every day waiting for an organ. You can help change that. Just one organ and tissue donor can save or enhance the life of up to 50 people.
While the number of organ donors in the U.S. is increasing overall, only 37% of Americans 18 years of age and over are registered donors, and the opt-in rate for organ donation in the 18-25 age group has markedly decreased since 2004. Additionally, many older Americans resist organ donation on the misguided basis that their organs are not useful after a certain age. There are many public misconceptions about organ donation, and it continues to be a topic that is rarely discussed and widely misunderstood.
We at “The Power Of Two” feature documentary, interactive online community and global call to action believe that more Americans would say “yes” to organ donation if the topic is readily and candidly discussed with friends and family. Please register to become an organ donor through your appropriate online registry, which you can find at www.donatelife.net/CommitToDonation. Then, talk to your family and friends about your wishes. As a further gesture of compassion and commitment, please sign our letter to those waiting for transplant in care of all transplant recipients in the United States, including Anabel “Ana” Stenzel and Isabel “Isa” Stenzel Byrnes, double lung transplant recipients and central characters of the film, “The Power Of Two.” By signing this letter, you are supporting currently active transplant candidates, donor families and recipients, telling them that you are committed to organ donation.
Pledge Today To Say Yes to Organ and Tissue Donation
To the over 110,000 Americans currently waiting for life-saving organ transplants:
I pledge to say “yes” to organ and tissue donation. I choose the generous act of giving life unconditionally to those who need my organs and tissues after my death. I am a registered organ and tissue donor or will be by the end of today by registering or double checking my status with my state organ registry at www.donatelife.net/CommitToDonation. I pledge to speak with my family, friends and/or colleagues and encourage them to say “yes” to organ, eye and tissue donation.
I pledge to the over 110,000 people on the transplant waiting list to do my part to increase the number of organ donors in the United States by actively engaging in conversations that help debunk myths and break misconceptions.
Please accept my pledge as a gesture of hope and support to all of you awaiting transplants, and know that there are millions of Americans who believe strongly in the life-giving act of organ, eye and tissue donation.
[Your name]