National Donor Sabbath, which is traditionally celebrated the second weekend before Thanksgiving, kicks off the season by reaching out to various congregations by utilizing houses of worship to not only remind Americans of the critical need for organ and tissue donation, but also to instruct them in the best manner to commit to donation.
Religious leaders in the community play a vital role in the National Donor Sabbath observance by encouraging people to learn the facts about donation and to discuss their wishes with their families. Unfortunately, it is a discussion that all too often never takes place. Congregations are asked to include the topic of organ and tissue donation in their worship services and implement other donor awareness activities during that weekend.
One often-given reason for denial of consent for organ and tissue donation is religious beliefs, however all major religions support organ and tissue donation as an honored and compassionate expression of generosity and love. This is an import opportunity to help save the lives of others by clearing up those misconceptions and providing our community with the facts according to one’s faith.
More than any other time of the year, the final two months of the year is a time when we gather with our families to count our blessings, and it presents an ideal occasion for raising the importance of organ and tissue donation. Our goal is to have as many South and Central Texas congregations join with others across the nation and participate in “National Donor Sabbath” initiative.
National Donor Sabbath Fact Sheet November 10 – 12, 2006
In November, from Friday, November 10th through Sunday, November 12th, faith communities throughout the country will observe a special time as they unite for one cause: to increase awareness of the critical need for organs and tissues and the miracle of transplantation. This annual interfaith celebration of life will stress the importance of donation. Religious leaders who participate in discussions of donation with their congregations can affirm that choosing to be an organ and tissue donor offers the opportunity to share the greatest blessing of all—the gift of life. All religions in the United States support organ and tissue donation as an honored and compassionate expression of generosity and love.
Participation in National Donor Sabbath has increased each year, but still more individuals must become more aware of donation. The goal is to get information out, to encourage families all over America to understand the importance of organ donation, and to increase the number of donors. People need to talk to their families and make their intentions known. Organ donation is a gift that proves beyond a doubt that out of tragedy can come hope…out of death, new life.
As of October 2006, more than 93,000 men, women and children were listed on the national transplant waiting list. Donation and transplantation can save lives, yet the need for organs far exceeds the supply. In 2006, more than 25,000 organs were transplanted but thousands more critically ill patients could have been helped if more organs were available. An average of 18 people die each day because an organ was not available for them.
What Can You Do to Celebrate the Gift of Life?
- Plan National Donor Sabbath Activities…
- Team up with the Organ Procurement Organization for Central and South Texas, the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance. Contact Esmeralda “Mela” Perez at (210) 614-7030 for informational materials.
- Hold a donor drive to encourage individuals to sign donor cards and discuss their wishes with their families.
- Organize a blood drive by calling your local blood center.
- Host a donor awareness workshop, prayer breakfast, or health fair with an information display on donation and presentations by living donors, donor families, transplant recipients, patients awaiting transplantation or organ procurement organization professionals
- Spread the Word . . .
- Include donation information in your newsletter, bulletin, website or e-mail.
- Discuss organ/tissue donation in sermons and classes.
- Invite speakers to address your congregation, including members who want to share their own donation experiences.
- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about the critical need for organ and tissue donation.