On behalf of the 500 people who will probably die during the holiday season while awaiting an organ transplant, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons has asked all Americans to talk with family members about organ donation.
"During this season of giving thanks and giving gifts, what better message to send than the need for people to share their wish to give the ultimate gift-the gift of life," said ASTS president Joshua Miller, MD.
As a sponsor of the First Family Pledge, a national campaign to raise awareness of the need to increase organ donation, ASTS is urging Americans to discuss organ donation as a family. Since the First Family Pledge was launched in May (see Transplant News Network, June 1, 1998), an increasing number of governors, mayors, community leaders, citizens, and more than 44 members of Congress have taken the First Family Pledge to increase organ donation.
Individuals can electronically sign the pledge at www.familypledge.org or call campaign headquarters at (800) 848-8836.
Please be aware that medical advice, diagnoses and physician references cannot be obtained from this site.