Beech Tree News Network

Nearly 1,000 children and adults in Kentucky are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant

April 4, 2021 – Every April Butler County Circuit Court Clerk, Melissa Cardwell, celebrates National Donate Life Month in partnership with the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life and Donate Life America.

The National Donate Life Month 2022 artwork was inspired by the vital role that bees play in sustaining life.  Bees are a small but powerful life force, working together with dedication, collaboration, and a strong sense of community.

“Just as bees are a powerful life force working together, we invite everyone to be a part of this interconnected, life-sustaining community by registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor,” said Melissa Cardwell, Butler County Circuit Court Clerk.  “There are no limits to registering as an organ donor.  Everyone, regardless of age or health status, is welcome to register to offer hope to over 1,000 Kentucky kids and adults in need of lifesaving organ transplants.”

Over 60 percent of Kentucky’s adults have registered their decision to be an organ donor after they have passed away.  Yet the number of people in need of transplants continues to outpace the number of organs donated.  Currently, 106,000 people are waiting for a transplant in America.  On average, 20 people die each day because the organ they need is not donated in time – that is almost one person dying every hour.

Kendric Currington remembers what it feels like to be on that waiting list.  At age 13, he was diagnosed with PSC, or inflammation that causes scars within the bile ducts of the liver.  At 27, he was in desperate need of a liver transplant.  Because of the generosity of another family, Kendric’s life was saved.  Today, he is an active volunteer and speaker for the mission of donation.  Learn more about his Gift of Life story here: https://donatelifeky.org/stories/kendric-liver-recipient-2/.

Everyone can join the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry in one of the following ways:

- On the internet 24/7 at RegisterMe.org

- Click “Yes” while obtaining a driver’s license or state ID at a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Regional Office

About Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life

The Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks' Trust For Life (TFL) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that educated and encourages Kentuckians to be registered organ and tissue donors to save lives.  TFL was founded in 1992 as the charitable arm of the Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks.  The dollar donations at driver's license counters and other philanthropic partners, including KODA, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and Kosair Charities, fund the statewide community outreach and public relations efforts to grow the Registry.  For more info call 1-866-945-5433, email [email protected], or visit www.donatelifeky.org.