Community Corner
Community Update
This
ball season, the Donate Life Connecticut Women’s Softball Team in Newtown, CT is
striving for more than a perfect record. They are getting out on the field for
a great cause—to inspire more people in the community to save lives through
organ, tissue and eye donation. The Team wants people to know that it’s easy to
register online at www.DonateLifeNewEngland.org and
that one decision can save and improve the lives of more than 50 people.
One
team member, Leigh Libero of Newtown, CT, knows the importance of donation
firsthand. Libero wouldn’t be playing softball this season without the
generosity of a tissue donor. As a college athlete, was sidelined when she tore
her ACL during a soccer game. During the first reconstructive surgery, a graft
made from her body’s own tissue was used. Unfortunately, that repair didn’t
last—Libero tore her ACL again just one year later. In search of more options,
Libero’s surgeon suggested using donated tissue from a deceased donor—a strong
Achilles tendon to replace her badly damaged ACL. “When I discovered that this was a
possibility—that a piece of tissue from someone else could really help me, I
felt tremendously grateful to this person...and hope that somehow they and
their family know how much their gift matters to me,” said Libero. While Libero
continues to have to work to strengthen surrounding muscles, the donor tissue
that was used continues to support her and let her get back to the physical
activities she enjoys, including running and playing softball.
Find out what's happening in Newtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Over
123,000 people are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant and 18
people die each day because there is a shortage of organs available for
transplant. In Connecticut, only 43% of state residents over the age of 18 are
included in the Donor Registry, which is below the national average of 48%. The
good news is that the community can help. Summer is a great time to consider
joining the Donor Registry—and while the registry protects your decision to be
a donor, it is important to tell your family. The decision to be a registered
donor does not impact the quality of care you will receive in a hospital or
emergency situation—the ultimate goal is always to save your life. It is
important for people of all ages, races and ethnicities to consider giving the
gift of life and many common illnesses and ailments do not make people
ineligible to donate.
Find out what's happening in Newtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Donate
Life Connecticut (Donate Life CT) is a proud sponsor of the Donate Life
Connecticut Women’s Softball Team for the 2014 season. Donate Life CT is
dedicated to the purpose of public education and awareness for all Connecticut
residents concerning the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation and
increasing the number of registered donors. The nonprofit organization is the
local affiliate of Donate Life America. For more information about Donate Life
CT or to register as a donor, please visit www.DonateLifeCT.org.