Editor:

    We are the parents of a 28-year-old son who signed his drivers license to be a organ and tissue donor.

    On Jan., 27, 2001, our son, John, died from injuries caused by a car accident.

    We honored our son's wishes. John has given new life to others. We are here to ask you to please think about becoming a donor.

    I am involved with the General Federation of Women's Clubs of Plymouth, and I was asked to be the Northeastern District Chairman of the Pennsylvania Gift Of Live donor program. I have spent one year talking to people and organizations about John and the gift of life - and how wonderful they have been to us. I would like everyone in Northeastern Pennsylvania to understand that the power of one can make a big difference. As I tell the people we meet and talk to, I know John's spirit is with us. He has given me the strength to do what I need to do. If just one person signs a donor card, I have done what John has sent me to do.

    This month is a very important month for all those parents and relatives who are donor families, and there are many of them out there.

    When I meet a recipient, I look into his or her eyes and see a smile and know to my heart that John will live on forever.

    We are proud of the decision John made when he signed his donor card. Our family will never get over the loss of John, but we know John would be proud of what I'm doing today. I have one more year to explain the importance of becoming a donor.

    Information on the gift of life donor organ/tissue program is available at:
1-888-90-share and www.organdonor.org

    This is in memory of John Anthony Dileo and all the organ donors and their families.

    Audrey and Patrick Dileo