Piedmont Augusta celebrating National Donate Life Month
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – April is “National Donate Life Month,” and Piedmont Hospital is honoring organ donors and those who have received organs.
“Raising the donate life flag just as a visual symbol for everyone to see and ask questions about, said Tony Cooper, Life Link for Georgia. “We raise it at 1:08, and the reason for that is, is because one donor can save the lives of eight individuals through organ donation. We also celebrate tissue donors this time of year, eye donors, everyone who’s given that gift. “
The event Wednesday afternoon featured a representative from LifeLink , parents of organ donors, and the CEO of Piedmont. They spoke in support of organ donors and encouraged more to become organ donors.
“Education is the biggest thing. And even to start in middle and high school,” said Melissa Feldhaus, son was an organ donor. “Especially high school as kids are getting their license and they can make that choice when they get that drivers license to become an organ donor. That’s what my son did.”
Feldhaus’ son, Rowan, died after complications from surgery in 2017. He was an organ donor and was able to save 5 lives.
“I’m really proud of working with the organization to help educate the public about the importance of becoming registered to donate organs,” said Dr. Lily Henson : CEO of Piedmont of Augusta. “We see patients who pass through our hospital who unfortunately are not able to live further, but the gifts that they make with their organs to other people who are so much in need is so important.”
In 2023, 10 organ transplants were done at Piedmont Augusta. There are 100,000 people in America waiting for an organ transplant more than 3,000 of them are in Georgia.
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