Frederick Health, Infinite Legacy kick off National Donate Life Month
FREDERICK, Md. (DC News Now) — More than 100,00 patients across the country are currently waiting for organ transplants with about 4,000 of those patients being from the DMV.
Because of this, Frederick Health and Infinite Legacy have partnered up to bring awareness to how important it is to become an organ donor.
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People gathered Wednesday at Frederick Health Hospital to celebrate and remember those who have donated their organs to those in need.
Maria Fontaine’s son, Ian, was diagnosed with diabetes at 13 and later died at 37.
“When he did get his state, Maryland ID, he chose to be an organ donor because there was no reason not to be,” Fontaine said.
After Ian died, his kidneys, liver and heart were donated to others who needed them including Angelina Shortt’s son, Cody, who was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.
“Just getting that phone call that night, he woke me up in my sleep and it was just the biggest gift and greatest call that we were waiting for,” Shortt said. “Now he gets his chance to be able to live.”
Stories like Cody’s and Ian’s are the reason both Frederick Health and Infinite Legacy are bringing awareness to the importance of being an organ donor.
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“The need is tremendous and by signing up to be a donor, you’re helping others who are so grateful,” Vice President of External Affairs for Infinite Legacy, Karen Kennedy explained. “It’s a way to honor the legacy of someone who helps others.”
Both Frederick Health and Infinite Legacy are asking people to reach out to them to get more information about how to become an organ donor or visit their website here.
“Organ donation is so much more than just an organ that keeps you alive,” Vice President of Patient Care Services, Jamie White, said. “It’s your experience in your life story that gets to continue.”
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