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A unique and very meaningful monument will be dedicated tomorrow on Library Square in Salt Lake City. It celebrates life by honoring the exceptional generosity of thousands of Utahns who, in death and while still living, donate organs for the benefit of others. Their names will be inscribed on a wall of honor.
The Celebration of Life Donor Monument is also a gripping reminder of one of the nation’s major health related challenges.
More than 83,000 people in the U.S. are currently on waiting lists for an organ transplant. On average, 17 of them die each day while waiting. And sadly, less than half of potential donors actually donate organs. Thankfully, the rate of organ donation in Utah is significantly higher than in most areas of the country.
By honoring past and future donors, KSL joins in the hope that the Celebration of Life Donor Monument will encourage even more Utahns to sign on as potential organ donors. It’s easy to do, through the Utah Organ Registry at www.yesutah.org. It is especially important to let loved ones know of the decision to join the registry, so that in the event of tragedy, the potential donor’s wishes can be carried out.
As the new monument proclaims, organ donation is a way to celebrate life. It is something many more of us should be willing to do.
