Last week’s program was provided by Rotarian Lewis Marshall.  Lewis’ guest speaker was Ashley Moore with LifeLink.  LifeLink organizes and works with “Donate Life Florida” to make organ, eye and tissue donation and transplant a reality.  LifeLink is a non-profit organization that works with organ donors and their families.  There are currently 118,000 people on the national transplant list.  More than 5,700 of them are in Florida.  22 people die each day waiting for a transplant.  LifeLink works with 15 counties on the west coast of Florida to identify donors, work with hospitals and educate people on the importance of donation.  One donor has the potential to save 8 lives…Heart, lungs (2), small intestines, pancreas, kidneys and liver are the most commonly transplanted organs.  Tissue is also donated…cornea, bones, and skin.  Sports related injuries can also be helped with donated ligaments, muscle and veins.  Some misconceptions include; Age – there are no age limits, Health conditions – people with hepatitis, Aids, etc. can be helped by donors with the same health conditions, it is also a “myth” that if you are in an accident and the hospital knows you are a donor that doctors will withhold treatment and not attempt to save your life.  Medical professionals will do everything they can to save your life.  The doctors who work to save your life are not the same doctors involved with donation.  It is only after every attempt has been made to save your life that donation will be considered.  The only people who can look at the registry is the registry personnel.  Time is critical as most organs only have 4-6 hours to be viable and tissue recovery can be 12-24 hours.  Register as an organ, eye and tissue donor when you get your driver license or by visiting www.donatelifeflorida.org.  When you join Florida’s donor registry you are making and documenting a decision that only you can change.  Everyone is encouraged to create an online profile where you can specify which organs and tissue you would like to donate.  You can modify your designation at any time.  Choose to make a difference in lives, and register as an organ, eye and tissue donor today.  www.donatelifeflorida.org.  -submitted by Mike Arndt         

Birthdays This Month

Felix Haynes - April 9th

Charles White - April 11th

Steve Wyman - April 11^th

Adam Myers – April 17th

Kayla Drawdy-Sherrard - April 24th

Jodi Stevens - April 25th

Steve Lambert -  April 27^th

Club Anniversaries This Month