National Pediatric Transplant Week, which takes place during the last full week of National Donate Life Month in April, is dedicated to addressing the pediatric transplant waiting list. One-year-old Chloe Clark is among the many children waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Chloe was born with a serious heart condition called tricuspid atresia, a form of half-heart syndrome, which has led to heart failure. In addition to her heart condition, Chloe also had an undiagnosed diaphragmatic hernia that required surgery when she was just three days old. Despite these challenges, Chloe’s parents describe her as a bright spot in their lives, always happy and full of joy. However, Chloe is not alone in her struggle, as there are hundreds of other children awaiting transplant.
Due to the urgent need for organ donors, Donate Life Kentucky has launched a new campaign called “Save My Human,” aiming to encourage people to become organ donors by using pets in their promotional materials. Chloe was featured in the campaign, alongside therapy dogs from Norton Children’s Hospital. Executive Director Shelley Snyder emphasizes that there are over 100,000 people in the United States waiting for a life-saving transplant, including approximately 2,000 children. The Clarks remain hopeful that one day their daughter will receive the gift of life through organ donation and urge others to consider registering as organ donors. In Kentucky alone, there are more than 1,000 people on the organ transplant list, highlighting the critical need for donors.
