Raising the flag for organ donation

Allegheny General Hospital in western Pennsylvania prepared for National Donate Life Month today with a flag raising, a tradition for more than 20 years at hospitals across the country to bring awareness to organ donation.

The Donate Life flag has become a national symbol of unity, remembrance and hope that honors those touched by donation and transplantation. Celebrated each April, National Donate Life Month helps raise awareness about donation, encourages Americans to register as organ donors and honors those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.

At each flag-raising ceremony across the country, donor families, transplant recipients and those awaiting transplant have the opportunity to share their stories.

Featured at Allegheny General’s flag raising were Rashawn “Juice” Parker, a dad and local youth football coach in need of a kidney transplant, and Keith Lowry, who became the hospital’s 500th heart transplant recipient – a milestone reached by just three other transplant centers in Pennsylvania. Keith’s wife, Tammy, also spoke about her numerous connections to donation through her mom, aunt and even herself as a living donor. Susan Stuart, CEO and president of CORE, also spoke about the importance of organ donation. Numerous AGH transplant staff spoke about the impact of donation including Dr. Qadeer, Dr. Bailey, Dr. Sureshkumar, and Patty Noah.

Every 10 minutes another person is added to the nation’s organ transplant waiting list every day, and thousands die every year waiting for a transplant. But just one generous donor can save eight lives or help up to 75 people through organ, eye and tissue donation. Learn more.