Secretary of State Jesse White Encourages Students to Donate Life

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White visited Oak Forest High School recently to tell OFHS Sophomores that this year they are eligible to sign up to be an organ or tissue donor when they get their license. Every January 1, there are a new set of laws that take effect for the people in the State of Illinois. This year, one of the laws says that new sixteen-year-old drivers can sign up to be an organ or tissue donor when they are following the procedures to get their license. This law is called "The Drive for Life Act, and it made Illinois one of 48 states that allows residents under the age of 18 to register to be a organ or tissue donor. April is National Donate Life Month, which celebrates life and emphasizes the importance of donating organs and tissue. Secretary White said, “We hope you will seriously consider becoming part of the organ and tissue donation program.” Secretary White said he first became aware of organ or tissue donation when his brother died from the results of a brain aneurysm and the family was asked to donate his organs to other needy families. The full importance of donation really hit home when his sister became ill and needed a kidney. She received a kidney transplant from an organ donor. Since that time, Secretary White has been a tireless champion of organ and tissue donation for the State of Illinois. Secretary White said, “Some people die because they don’t get a matching donor soon enough.” Harry Morris, a South Holland resident, spoke to students about his organ donation experience. Morris is the recipient of both a heart and a kidney donation. He said he struggled on a daily basis until he received his organ transplants. Oak Forest High School has been touched personally by organ or tissue donation as well. Football Coach Brian McDonough was the recipient of a bone marrow transplant and Softball Coach Katy Dahmer is currently recuperating from donating her kidney to her cousin. Secretary White said that one donor can help up to 25 people. During the presentation Secretary White also presented an award to Principal Sikora as well as a Certificate of Appreciation, “for your service to others in saving and enhancing lives through your dedication to organ/tissue donation.” For more information about organ or tissue donation or to register to be a donor, go to www.lifegoeson.com.