Organ, tissue donors can make a big difference

To the editor:

April 20-27 is National Organ/Tissue Donor Awareness Week. It is during this week that we recognize and thank those families who have given the ultimate gift of life in organ/tissue donation. We also identify the increasing need for organs/tissue. In the St. Louis area, which includes Southeast Missouri, more than 1,700 men, women and children are on waiting lists. Nationwide, the list grows to more than 80,000 people. One person is added to this list every 14 minutes, while 16 people die every day waiting for life-saving organ transplants.

Organ and tissue donation can make a difference. A single organ and tissue donor can save and improve the lives of 40 to 50 people.

Please discuss your wishes about donation with your family. This will make that difficult decision much easier on your loved ones when they are asked about donation after your death. We do not choose to need a transplant. We don't know when we or our family may be in need of an organ/tissue transplant in order to survive. We must depend on the generosity of others who give the gift of life. Pass on the light of life. Be a organ/tissue donor.

CHERI HUCKSTEP REED

Cape Girardeau