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Thursday, June 13, 2002 Press Release SOURCE: LifeSharers New Organ Donor Network LaunchedInnovative Attack on Shortage of Organs Needed for Transplant Operations NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- June 13, 2002 -- LifeSharers, a voluntary network of organ donors, has been launched with an ambitious goal: to end the shortage of donated human organs and tissue for transplant. LifeSharers takes an innovative approach to solving this shortage, which kills over 4,000 Americans every year. David J. Undis, Executive Director of LifeSharers, says “I began wondering what would happen if people had to agree to donate their organs at death before they would be eligible to receive an organ if they needed one. I found out that several people had suggested this idea, but nobody had ever put it in action. That’s how LifeSharers got started.” LifeSharers members agree to donate their organs when they die, but only to other members of the LifeSharers network. This creates a pool of organs meant to be available only to members of the network. As the network grows, the incentive to join the network also grows. “When we have a million members, you’d be crazy not to join if you thought you or your children might ever need an organ transplant,” explains Mr. Undis. There has been a shortage of organs ever since the first transplant operations, and it is getting worse every year. According to statistics compiled by the United Network for Organ Sharing, over 79,000 Americans are now on a waiting list for an organ transplant, and another name gets added to the list about every 15 minutes. Somebody on the waiting list dies about every two hours. According to Mr. Undis, “This shortage continues to grow despite the excellent efforts of many very fine civic and government organizations. Their appeals to the public’s sense of charity haven’t proven effective enough, so we’re trying something different. LifeSharers gives people an additional reason to donate.” The LifeSharers network is still small, but it is growing rapidly. Enrollment is free at www.lifesharers.org. About LifeSharers LifeSharers is a voluntary network of organ donors. Members agree to donate their organs when they die, but only to other members of the LifeSharers network. By restricting their gifts in this way, LifeSharers members create an incentive for others to donate their organs. LifeSharers was launched on May 22, 2002. The LifeSharers web site is at www.lifesharers.org. Contact:
Click here to download and print a copy of this press release. Click here to join the distribution list for LifeSharers press releases. |
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