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Date: 5/19/2021
CHICOPEE – Organ and Donation Day was celebrated in Chicopee on May 13. Mayor John Vieau, Chicopee City Council members, Matthew Boger of New England Donor Services, Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) employees and many organ recipients such as Glen Wiley, Lauren Meizo, Kevin LeBeau, Scott and Kim Meyer and Kathy Balakier were in attendance to raise the Donate Life flag and commemorate the day.
Boger spoke on the effects becoming an organ donor can have on other’s lives. He encouraged people to register as a donor at the RMV when getting or renewing their driver’s license, Real ID, or ID or online at www.RegisterMe.org.
Balakier (seen at podium) is a Chicopee resident who received a life-changing liver donation on March 31. “I want to stress donor awareness as I am living proof that your kindness can change a life. My husband has his wife back, my daughter has her mother back, my sister has her sister back and so on. I am forever grateful for this new lease on life. Organ donation extends the life of an individual. I intend to live my life to the fullest and will continue to spread awareness of the importance of donation,” said Balakier.
Meizo has received two heart transplants and a kidney transplant through organ donation. “So many people have reached out to me saying my story has touched them and they had no idea what organ donation truly meant prior to it. I have met so many incredible people who have gone through stories similar to mine and I am truly blessed that I was given a second and third chance at life,” said Meizo.