There is nothing more impactful than hearing a real-life story to inspire you to take action. That was the case on April 16th when two local transplant survivors, Scott Burns and Priscilla Marchus, visited City Council to accept a proclamation for DMV/Donate Life Month.
The two, as they have done many times throughout the past decade, shared their powerful stories of survival and encouraged everyone to consider becoming an organ donor.
Scott, a kidney transplant survivor, expressed his gratitude for his donor, Vivian Buetel. He said, “I’ve been here for 10 years, and today I’m here to honor Vivian Buetel, my kidney donor.” Vivian was also honored at the Donate Life float at the Rose Bowl Parade earlier this year.
Priscilla, a liver transplant recipient 16 years ago, shared how her bonus years have allowed her to spend time with her granddaughter and new grandson. “I was a liver transplant recipient 16 years ago,” said Priscilla. “I call these my bonus years – I’ve gotten to be with my granddaughter who is now 11 and a new grandson that’s just over one year old.”
Their experiences shed light on the importance of organ donation and the impact it can have on individuals and their families. Currently, there are more than 110,000 individuals nationwide and over 23,000 in California on the national organ transplant waiting list. Last year, organ donors saved more than 46,000 lives – the highest number ever recorded.
The City of Goleta’s proclamation was one of many on display at the Donate Life Run/Walk on April 27th in Azusa. Thank you Scott for taking it there to show the City’s support of this effort to help save lives.
You can become an organ donor by indicating interest when applying for or renewing a driver’s license or I.D. card at the DMV, or by visiting: https://register.donatelifecalifornia.org/register/lifesharingdmvdonatelifemonth.
Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes–Martín (District 1), Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, Mayor Paula Perotte, Priscilla Marchus, Scott Burns and Councilmember Kyle Richards
Priscilla Marchus holding the proclamation and Scott Burns with a t-shirt that has his donor Vivian Buetel on it