On April 3, medical facilities throughout the region took part in a Pause to Give Life initiative to underscore the significance of organ donation.
To honor donors, their families, individuals awaiting transplants, and recipients who have benefited from organ donations, a Donate Life flag was displayed outside. While this event typically takes place outdoors, this year’s ceremony was conducted in the Interfaith Chapel at ECU Health Medical Center due to adverse weather conditions.
A moment of silence was observed at 10:08 a.m. to symbolize the fact that a single donor has the potential to save eight lives.
In the previous year, ECU Health Medical Center facilitated 31 organ donors, resulting in 75 organs being transplanted, with 17 allocated for research purposes. Moreover, the Medical Center facilitated 49 tissue donors, leading to the recovery of 140 tissues. Additionally, there were 80 eye donors, with 98 corneas transplanted, 28 earmarked for research, and 16 whole globes recovered. These statistics represented a record-breaking number of transplants conducted at ECU Health Medical Center, encompassing 130 adult and 5 pediatric transplants.
ECU Health Medical Center President Jay Briley delivered the opening address at the Pause to Give Life event held at the Interfaith Chapel.
During the event, Jenny Godwin, a former [position] at ECU Health Medical Center, shared her personal journey regarding organ donation. In February, Godwin generously donated a kidney to the three-year-old daughter of a colleague, citing a strong sense of duty towards helping a friend in need.
Reflecting on the testing process, Godwin expressed, “We knew I was going to be a match… It was this feeling that me and my husband had, and we felt very passionate about doing this.” Transitioning from working on transplant teams to being a patient herself, Godwin described the experience as a profound moment of fulfillment and accomplishment.
Acknowledging the exhaustion post-surgery, Godwin highlighted her swift recovery, emphasizing her joy in returning to normal activities, including playing with her own children.
Dr. [Name], Chief of Transplantation at ECU Health Medical Center, emphasized the significance of acknowledging individuals who have embraced organ donation, whether as living donors or through posthumous contributions. With a substantial number of patients awaiting transplants nationwide, including 3,000 in North Carolina alone, raising awareness about the critical need for organ donation is paramount.
Dr. [Name] underscored the collaborative effort involved in transplantation, recognizing the pivotal role of various teams in ensuring the success of each surgical procedure.
Jenny Godwin, who recently underwent a kidney donation, shared her poignant narrative during the Pause to Give Life event.
“The transplant team is huge… Each transplant program has social workers, dietitians, nurses, and physicians – everyone is so crucial to make sure a transplant is successful,” noted Dr. [Name]. He further acknowledged the tireless dedication of professionals involved in organ procurement and transplantation, emphasizing the collective effort required for each transplant to be successful.
ECU Health expresses gratitude for the unwavering support of over five million registered organ, eye, and tissue donors in North Carolina. The collaborative efforts with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles play a pivotal role in fostering a culture where organ donation is viewed as a fundamental act of humanity, aimed at saving and improving lives.