This letter is in regards to the Fourth Annual Organ and Tissue DOnor Awareness Walk that was held on Saturday, April 26.

    The rain did not stop us dedicated walkers to raise awareness for the need to become an organ and tissue donor. My husband and I were very disappointed that it did stop the Pocono Record from taking an opportunity to promote organ and tissue donor awareness among its readers. April was declared Donate Life Month by President Bush and we do not understand how the day after this important walk you covered events to build community bonds and volunteers gift wrap repairs for those in need but there was nothing mentioned about the Donor Awareness Walk. I realize that there are a lot of great organizations to publicize and that organ donation is a subject most people do not want to think about and the average person is not touched by it until a family member is in need of an organ transplant, but this is a subject that all of us should discuss with our family or loved ones so their wishes will be honored.

    My husband received a liver transplant on Nov. 12, 2001, and we thank God everyday for the donor family and the support and guidance we received and continue to receive from the members of the Northeast Pennsylvania Transplant Support Group.

    The Pocono Record missed a great opportunity to help the community by promoting organ and tissue donor awareness.

Mary Brecker-Ravert
Saylorsburg

This letter appeared on the Opinions Page - A7, Friday, May 23, 2003 in the Pocono Record.