[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 97 (Thursday, July 10, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H5027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            THE GIFT OF LIFE

  (Mr. MOAKLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, 2 years ago, 2 years and 2 months ago 
today, I was told that I had 2 months to live. Fortunately on July 10, 
1995, 2 years ago today, I underwent a successful liver transplant that 
saved my life. I was extremely lucky and fortunate that someone out 
there thought enough to give me the gift of life and donated their 
organs.
  I have spoken on the floor many times, Mr. Speaker, about the 
importance of organ donation, but often people just do not think about 
organ donation until they are faced with a friend or a loved one that 
desperately needs a transplant, and I am no exception.
  Mr. Speaker, today in the United States there are over 50,000 people 
waiting for an organ. Eight people a day will die because there just 
are not enough organs to go around, and that is why it is so critical 
that people are educated and made aware of the importance of organ 
donations and the second chance that it gives thousands of people every 
year.
  Mr. Speaker, 2 years ago I received the gift of life, so please talk 
to the family, the loved ones, and give someone else the miracle, the 
gift of life, and become an organ donor.

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