Donate Life NYS Honors Lockport DMV with Rising Star Award
Original story published 2024-09-09 13:09:47
STORY SUMMARY
NORTH TONAWANDA, NY – In a heartfelt ceremony at the Lockport DMV, the office staff was honored with the Rising Star Award from Donate Life New York State for their notable increase in donor registrations. Named recipients Tim Fod Jr. and Jim Siner, both heart transplant survivors, joined the event to celebrate the office’s achievements. Donate Life New York State, a nonprofit organization focused on boosting organ, eye, and tissue donations, highlighted the urgent need for donors as over 10,000 New Yorkers await life-saving transplants. With the Lockport DMV significantly boosting their registration rates, County Clerk Todd and Jennifer, local supervisors, were acknowledged for their dedication. Currently, 68% of Niagara County residents are registered donors, surpassing the state average and illustrating the community’s commitment to saving lives.
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An event in Lockport, New York, celebrated the efforts of the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) staff to increase organ and tissue donor registrations. Held by the nonprofit organization Donate Life of New York State, the Lockport DMV was honored with the Rising Star Award for its remarkable increase in donor registrations. This recognition highlights the significant role DMV employees play in promoting and facilitating organ donor sign-ups. Tim Siner and Jim Fod Jr., both heart transplant recipients, were present to support and thank the DMV personnel and the community for their contributions.
Jim Fod Jr. shared his personal experience as a heart transplant recipient, expressing gratitude for the life-saving donations that gave him a second chance at life. He emphasized the impact of donor contributions, noting that one donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of 75 others through organ, eye, and tissue donations. He encouraged everyone to register as donors, highlighting the difference it could make in the lives of nearly 10,000 individuals in New York state who are currently waiting for transplants.
The event underscored the critical need for more registered donors in New York, where only about 50% of residents are signed up as donors, compared to the national average of 64%. Despite this, Lockport’s high registration rate of 66% was praised as a testament to the dedicated work of the local DMV staff. The collective efforts aim to save lives and improve the outcomes for patients awaiting transplants, reflecting the broader mission of Donate Life New York State to enhance organ, eye, and tissue donation across the state.