Town Recognizes National Donate Life Month

The Town of Canton has joined many communities in the country in declaring April National Donate Life Month. 

The action included a special proclamation from First Selectman Richard Barlow and the agreement to fly a flag from Life Choice Donor Services on the pole at the Green. 

“It’s certainly a worthwhile cause,” Barlow said.

The organization appreciates the opportunity to raise awareness, said Caitlyn Bernabucci, a Canton resident and public education specialist with Life Choice Donor Services.

“I’m really grateful the town has supported this initative,” she said.

Also at the flag raising were Jean Reyes de Gonzalez, hospital development specialist with Life Choice donor services, Beth Bradley of Canton, former radio personality and heart transplant recipient and Kim Hathaway, business owner and former CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut. 

Hathaway is also flying the Life Choice flags at The Blue House and the Junk Shop. 

Bernabucci’s mother received a liver transplant in 2004. The family now has a special relationship with the family of the 18-year-old donor, she said.

And this month, the organization wants to raise awareness. For example, people can donate more than organs, Bernabucci said. One tissue donor can help 50 people, she said. In addition, some items, like bone grafts and heart valves, have a shelf life of years, according to the organization’s Web site.

And in addition to the Department of Motor Vehicles, people can sign up to be donors at donatelifenewengland.org.