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Date: 4/25/2023
CHICOPEE – Ever year, more than 28,000 lives are saved by organ donors, however, more than 123,000 people in the United States are still on the organ donors list waiting to receive a match.
According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, 21 people die daily waiting for a match.
“One organ donor has the potential to save eight lives, and eye and tissue donors can enhance the lives of as many as 50 people. For some people with end-stage organ failure, it is truly a matter of life and death,” they said.
In honor of April being National Donate Life month, the city of Chicopee hosted a flag raising ceremony on April 19 to raise awareness.
Several local elected officials, Chicopee residents, organ recipients and more, gathered outside of City Hall for the special event.
Organ Procurement Organization representative Matt Boger said, “It is our job, each and every day, to work with the [Registry of Motor Vehicles] here in Massachusetts and the [Department of Motor Vehicles] in all six states and every hospital in this region to help save lives through what I call the miracle of organ transplantation.”
Based on statistics in New England alone, Boger said there are more than 6,000 individuals holding on to their phones waiting for a lifesaving call.
He went on to recognize the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, who see over 10,000 people daily, for asking the question, “Would you like to register as an organ and tissue donor?”
Boger said the Organ Procurement Organization finds this “important” that they are the only public health question presented on a state document that is seen by many when you receive an identification or driver’s license.
Chicopee Mayor John Vieau said, “Organ transplantation is one of the most remarkable achievements of modern medicine. It has saved countless lives and improved the quality of life for countless others, but the need for organ donors is much greater than the number of people who actually donate.”
He continued, “Organ donation is a personal decision but it’s one of the most selfless acts one can perform.”
While some may have reservations about being an organ donor – whether it is age or health related – Vieau said people of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds can become one. “What matters most is if you’re willing to give the gift of life … A second birthday to many,” he said.
Vieau said organ donation can have a positive impact on family and friends of organ donors and recipients. “You can help them work through their grieving process and help them find meaning in their loss and it can bring comfort and hope for those waiting for a transplant,” he shared.
Despite the need for organ donors, Vieau said getting people to register is the biggest challenge.
He went on to say that it is important for everyone to act – start with research, talk with family and friends and register as a donor.
Kathy Balakier, Chicopee resident and wife of Ward 8 City Councilor George Balakier, is an organ recipient. She shared that she needed a liver transplant from a living donor with Type O blood, in between the ages of 18 and 60 and in good health. Through various forms of media, Kathy Balakier’s need for a transplant reached a vast amount of people looking to be tested to see if they would be a match. In March 2021, the match came from a stranger who saw Kathy Balakier’s story and two weeks later, she had a life changing surgery.
“I am living proof that your kindness can change a life,” she said. “My husband has his wife back, my daughter Meghan has her mom back, [my] sisters and brothers have their sibling back and so on.”
She continued, “Organ donation extends the life of an individual and I intend to live my life to the fullest and will continue to spread awareness of the importance of donation.”
Kathy Balakier encourages everyone to become organ donors and proudly show that “red heart stamp” on your driver’s license.
Several others shared their personal stories of loved ones who passed away and donated their organs as well as individuals who survived organ transplants. Throughout all the speakers, one common theme was present: encouragement of organ donation.
To become an organ donor or to learn more, visit mass.gov/be-a-hero-be-an-organ-donor.