Until recently, I wasn’t aware that October is Liver Disease Awareness month. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that my beautiful first born would be stricken with such a horrible liver disease. I’ve learned so much and found stength within myself I didn’t know existed during her journey with Biliary Atresia, but there’s one thing I’ve become even more passionate about than ever . . . organ donation.

Unlike many countries around the world, US citizen’s must make the decision to opt-in to organ donation programs either online or through the local DMV. As an EMS provider who has witnessed first-hand many tragedies, I have always been and still am a firm believer in organ donation. Unfortunately, organ donation continues to be a taboo topic that people feel uncomfortable talking about. I believe in preparedness and having those types of conversations with spouses and/or loved ones regarding end of life decisions if a tragedy were to ever happen.

Thousands of people on the national transplant list die each year awaiting life-saving organs. One organ donor can save up to 8 lives and improve the lives of many more. After death, our organs no longer serve us a purpose so I try to encourage as many people as I can to be pro-organ donation. One final gesture of generosity can do so much great for so many people. In Autumn’s honor, please consider registering as an organ donor today. It’s a simple process and only takes a few minutes to complete!