April is Donate Life and on Wednesday, Schuylkill County Commissioners issued a proclamation honoring the month as such locally.
At a ceremony, the Commissioners welcomed Ron Boris, of Pottsville, who says later this month he’ll celebrate 17 years since receiving a heart transplant. Boris urged all Schuylkill County residents to consider becoming an organ donor.
“If you’re not an organ donor, please consider it. I’m just one of you, lucky enough to get it. It means a lot,” Boris says. “I’m living proof it works.”
Commissioner Gary Hess reminded residents that becoming an organ donor is a simple process, something that can be done when you’re renewing your driver’s license.
“God forbid something happens, hopefully your life is an extension to someone else,” Hess said Wednesday.
Boris added that when he was waiting on a heart transplant about 20 years ago, only about half of Schuylkill County residents were organ donors. He says that number has increased to 75% but he’s got a goal to keep promoting organ donation until it reaches 80%.
In addition to the County government recognizing Donate Life Month, the City of Pottsville is also flying a Donate Life flag and has City Hall flooded in blue and green lights in April.
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