As part of National Donate Life Month, Donate Life Northwest is spotlighting the profound impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation, aiming to dispel common myths and encourage life-saving registrations. Executive Director Laura Overack emphasized that one registered donor can potentially save or improve up to 125 lives, correcting misconceptions that medical professionals prioritize donors differently in emergencies. She highlighted the separate roles between life-saving teams and donation teams, ensuring ethical standards in patient care.
Overack, a transplant recipient herself—having received a kidney from her father 25 years ago—shared how such gifts bring lasting gratitude and normalcy. She underscored that donor registration offers families peace, knowing their loved one’s wishes are honored, and contributes to community healing and celebration.
To amplify awareness and support, Donate Life Northwest is running its annual raffle to fund education programs on organ, eye, and tissue donation. The campaign culminates in a community-wide Block Party on June 8 at Hillsboro’s Shute Park. The event will bring together donor families, transplant recipients, medical professionals, and the public for food, games, educational booths, and prize raffles, including vacation giveaways.
Through initiatives like these, Donate Life Northwest continues to build a vibrant, informed donor community across the Pacific Northwest, where over 1,000 individuals currently await transplants.
