During April, Monroe Clinic Pastoral Department staff members will join clergy and health care professionals across the country to observe National Donate Life Month. Together, the religious and transplant communities will support awareness of the humanitarian and compassionate gift given through organ and tissue donation.
Our health care mission joins all major faiths in the United States in support of organ and tissue donation as one of the highest expressions of generosity. Yet, a common reason given by families who choose not to donate a loved one's organs and tissues is "donation is against my religion." In fact, a Gallup poll showed that fewer than 10 percent of people in the United States are aware that their religions have doctrines regarding donation.
Beliefs differ from denomination to denomination, but the underlying theme is the same: Organ and tissue donation represents one of the highest forms of compassion and giving. These are basic principles upon which all religions are based.
During National Donate Life Month, we remember those families who suffered the loss of a loved one and yet gave the greatest gift of all, the gift of life. Thoughts and prayers focus on the thousands of men, women and children who continue to wait desperately for needed organs and tissues to improve or save their lives.
With a national list of more than 87,000 men, women and children waiting for the gift of life and thousands more waiting for a life-enhancing tissue or cornea transplant, it's time for all of us to participate in these educational celebrations of life and hope. If you have not already done so, please discuss organ and tissue donation with family members.
We join others in spreading the message that by giving of ourselves through organ and tissue donation, we give the gift of life.
If you have any questions, please call me, Tom Chopp, M.Div., at Monroe Clinic Pastoral Care Department, (608) 324-1466.
Our health care mission joins all major faiths in the United States in support of organ and tissue donation as one of the highest expressions of generosity. Yet, a common reason given by families who choose not to donate a loved one's organs and tissues is "donation is against my religion." In fact, a Gallup poll showed that fewer than 10 percent of people in the United States are aware that their religions have doctrines regarding donation.
Beliefs differ from denomination to denomination, but the underlying theme is the same: Organ and tissue donation represents one of the highest forms of compassion and giving. These are basic principles upon which all religions are based.
During National Donate Life Month, we remember those families who suffered the loss of a loved one and yet gave the greatest gift of all, the gift of life. Thoughts and prayers focus on the thousands of men, women and children who continue to wait desperately for needed organs and tissues to improve or save their lives.
With a national list of more than 87,000 men, women and children waiting for the gift of life and thousands more waiting for a life-enhancing tissue or cornea transplant, it's time for all of us to participate in these educational celebrations of life and hope. If you have not already done so, please discuss organ and tissue donation with family members.
We join others in spreading the message that by giving of ourselves through organ and tissue donation, we give the gift of life.
If you have any questions, please call me, Tom Chopp, M.Div., at Monroe Clinic Pastoral Care Department, (608) 324-1466.
