Small but significant gestures can have a big impact on a community's awareness.
To that end, members of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Transplant Support Group Inc. have a good idea. They plan to hold a donor walk on Saturday, April 21, from East Stroudsburg to Stroudsburg. Their hope is to raise the visibility of their group, thereby raising public awareness of the need for organ donations.

    Nearly 1,000 people in northeastern Pennsylvania are waiting for some kind of organ donation for a transplant. They are among some 75,000 across the country who need an organ or tissue transplant. Their health, often even their lives, depends on it. Still, not enough people agree to donate their organs at death to save those who need them. Why the hesitation? Some may fear mutilation, which does not occur. Nor is there a charge. Donors can select which organs they would like to donate, and need not fear that, should they be in an accident, medical personnel will not try to save them if they learn they are organ donors. These medical professionals do not notify the organ procurement group until all lifesaving efforts have failed and death is determined - and after they have received the family's consent.

    Members of the Transplant Support Group will have a table at Pocono Medical Center the week of April 16 - 20 to spread the word about the importance of organ donation. They will finish the week with the walk from East Stroudsburg High School to Monroe County Courthouse.

    Individuals and families should take the time, if they have not done so already, to consider pledging to donate their organs and to review their decision with family members. They can sign an organ donor card, as well as a family discussion card, to make the final arrangements easier for the family of the deceased as well as for the recipient of the donated organ or tissue. The Gift of Life donor program exists to coordinate donors and those who need organs. For information, call Howard Kindred at (570) 223-2833.

This story appeared on the Editorial Page - A4, Tuesday, April 10, 2001 in the Pocono Record.