Beech Tree News Network

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 – As the holidays are approaching, communities are reminded of the season of giving. While family gatherings and gift exchanges may be from afar this year, organ transplant recipients and their families are incredibly thankful for the priceless gift of life.

This year, the Kentucky Circuit Clerks’ Trust For Life (TFL) has emphasized the importance of educating Kentuckians on organ, tissue, and eye donation. Since January 2020, 464 people have received their gift of life thanks to generous organ donors.  However, 1,000 Kentuckians still wait for their gift of life this holiday season.

Riley, a heart transplant recipient, and his family experienced the wait firsthand. While facing a devastating diagnosis, there was a glimpse of hope because of a stranger’s generosity. Now, 14 years after his transplant, Riley will spend another holiday season thankful for the gift of life.

“Organ donation has given us the most precious gift — our son, Riley. We have watched him play, laugh, and grow over the years that we wouldn’t have had if it weren’t for his donor family making that important decision to donate their loved one’s organs. We are forever grateful to our donor family and continue to cherish each and every moment we have with Riley,” said Brandi Speck, Riley’s mom.

2020 has introduced many unexpected challenges for all communities. With the rise in organ transplants during the coronavirus pandemic, the number of patients experiencing financial difficulties has drastically increased. The Satterwhite Patient Assistance Fund was started by TFL to assist transplant patients who have fallen into financial hardship because of mounting medical bills, medication costs, and hospital-travel expenses. Financial contributions directly aid transplant recipients whose only wish is to be good stewards of the most precious gift of all: life.

“This year we have all been affected by the pandemic in some way. Registering as an organ donor and contributing to the Satterwhite Patient Assistance Fund are two fulfilling ways to give back this holiday season,” Melissa Cardwell, Butler County Circuit Court Clerk.

To join the TFL mission, you may join the Organ Donor Registry in the following ways:

Online 24/7 at RegisterMe.org

Driver’s License Renewals: Check with your local Circuit Court Clerk and KYTC office to confirm renewal processes by visiting https://bit.ly/driverlicenseky.

On your Apple iPhone, go to the Health App and toggle “organ donor”

Individuals may contribute to the Satterwhite Patient Assistance Fund by visiting https://donatelifeky.org/ and selecting the ‘Financial Contributions’ tab.  

###

Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates mission is to provide organ and tissues to those in need and to maintain a profound respect for those who gave; For more information visit kyorgandonor.org. The mission of the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life is to inform, educate, and encourage Kentuckians to register as organ and tissue donors to save lives; For more information visit trustforlife.org. Both nonprofits partner closely to educate and improve the lives of Kentuckians through organ donation and transplantation.