The lawn was filled with photos and family, laughter and tears Tuesday, when transplant recipients, organ donors and donor families met for the Third Annual Donate Life Day at the State Capitol.
Organized by Donate Life Arizona as part of National Donor Month, the day is an opportunity for those from both sides of the organ donation process to meet, share stories, and honor those who are gone but not forgotten.
Hundreds of photos of donors and transplant recipients stood in tribute on the capitol grounds, along with several Donor Quilts, serving as a colorful reminder that the decision to become an organ donor is the decision to give the gift of life.
The event served a special purpose this year, providing an opportunity for state lawmakers to meet those who have received a second chance at life through organ donation. These same lawmakers will continue to address the controversy over state Republicans decision to cut Medicaid funds to those in need of life saving transplants.
House Minority Whip Anna Tovar, D-Tolleson (District 13) is not only one of the lawmakers pushing the governor to reinstate transplant funding. She was twice the recipient of a lifesaving transplant in her battle to beat leukemia. Tovar says she is not satisfied with the governor’s recent letter, stating her “intent” to restore that funding.
“Gov. Brewer’s letter outlining her Medicaid plan and the Republicans’ budget including a transplant provision express the intent to restore transplant coverage, but neither actually restores transplant coverage in state statute. Therefore, it is unclear if transplants currently are covered, even though Gov. Brewer is saying they are.
“Just as most Americans get the run around from their health insurance companies, these transplant patients’ lives are getting run over by Arizona’s government and it’s time to hold government accountable.”
The diversity of the crowd showed that organ donation is limited only in the sense that we are all human. Photos and attendees represented a mix of young and old, from all races, ethnicities, and walks of life.
The day concluded with a candle light vigil. Hundreds of attendees formed a spiral, representing the endless circle of life, holding candles in honor of the 345 Arizonans whose lives were saved by organ and tissue donation in 2010.
To learn more, contact Donate Life Arizona, or call 1-800-94-DONOR.
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