More than 100,000 individuals nationwide and more than 20,000 in California are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list. Organ donors saved more than 42,000 lives last year, the most ever, and any person can register to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor regardless of age or medical conditions.

We encourage everyone who can, to register as an organ and tissue donor to help save lives. One person can save eight lives and enhance 75 others through organ and tissue donation.

Last month during DMV/Donate Life Month, the Goleta City Council heard powerful stories of how being registered as an organ and tissue donor can save lives. At the meeting, Scott Burns, a local kidney transplant survivor, and Priscilla Marquez, a local liver transplant survivor, accepted a proclamation from the City of Goleta proclaiming the month of April as DMV/Donate Life Month.

“I’ve gotten to be with my granddaughter who is now 10 and a new grandson who’s only three months old” said Priscilla Marquez, “I can’t imagine not being here these past 15 years. Thank you for recognizing the importance of this cause.” California residents can sign up with the Donate Life California Donor Registry online at any time by visiting donateLIFEcalifornia.org, or in Spanish at www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org. For those interested in kidney donations, visit LivingDonationCalifornia.org.

Scott Barnes and Priscilla Marquez receiving their proclamation from City Council