There is a severe need for organ and tissue transplants throughout the US. Donating organs and tissue can save peoples’ lives. This situation became clear to me when my aunt was in need of a kidney transplant. She was on the kidney transplant list for 7 years when she received a kidney from a deceased donor. Being on the list for such a long time was a very stressful and anxiety-filled time for her.

Raising awareness for organ and tissue donations is vital and can help suffering families. With my Eagle Scout project, I will be able to raise awareness of a huge problem. My project involves a door to door campaign in town as well as information tables set up in various, local retail establishments. My hope is that more people will see the desperate need and will want to help.

There are 115,000 people in the US that are waiting for organ transplants, of which, 4,000 are New Jersey residents. One person alone can donate 8 life-saving organs and help 75 others by donating their tissue. If you are registered to be an organ and tissue donor through the Department of Motor Vehicles, you are on the state registry. By registering with the NJ Sharing Network, you are on the national registry. Please consider registering to become an organ and tissue donor.