Dear Clarion readers, 

Not only does Feb. 14 mark the day of romance, but it is also recognized as National Donor Day. The day serves as a remembrance of the heroes who saved multiple lives through organ donation, and a reminder to sign oneself up to become a donor, as well. 

In January, my father passed away due to a traumatic head injury. Miraculously, there was no damage to any of his internal organs, making all of them viable for donation. This is extremely rare. Penn Medicine states that “only three in 1,000 people die in a way that allows for deceased organ donation.” It has been a beautiful gift to know the most selfless person I know was able to give his own organs to let someone else continue their own life when he was unable to. 

The National Association of County and City Health Officials say there are “nearly 120,000 individuals who are on the national organ transplant waiting list,” and there are nowhere near enough donors to meet that. Due to this, 22 people a day die waiting for a transplant. Just one donor can save eight lives and enhance over 75 more, according to the Health Resources & Services Administration. 

My family and I have found great peace through knowing this tragic death of someone so important to us still resulted in at least one positive thing, and I will forever be grateful for that. Though 90 percent of adults say they are in favor of organ donation after death, only 60 percent are actually signed up as donors.  When your time comes, you want to know that you may have the chance to still do good after death. Sign up to become an organ donor, and make sure all of your family and friends are signed up, too. Give someone else the opportunity at life. 

Happy Donor Day everyone, 

Chloe Fitzgibbon