[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2382-E2383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    THANKING RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR ORGAN DONOR EFFORTS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate 10 Ridgewood High 
School students for their work to raise the awareness of the importance 
of organ donation in their community. These students, all sophomores, 
walked door to door this fall, asking residents to sign donor cards. At 
last count, the students distributed more than 24,000 pieces of 
literature and 10,000 Ridgewood residents had pledged their interest in 
learning more about organ donation and transplantation.
  I wholeheartedly commend all of these students on this magnificent 
humanitarian effort. They have undertaken an effort that will save many 
lives. This project will undoubtedly bring new hope, better health and, 
indeed, life to many who otherwise would have had no hope.
  This community project took place in conjunction with the New Jersey 
Organ and Tissue Sharing Network. I would like to thank each of these 
students--Alyson Cangemi, Kacey Burde, Jennifer Dlugasch, Meredith 
Grasso, Katie Henderson, Georgette Mitchel, Tara O'Neill, Krista 
Pouliot, Jessica Bheten, and Morgen Weiss--and the volunteer who 
coordinated their effort, Ridgewood resident Janet Cangemi.
  The students' project came about as an entry in the New York Daily 
News ``Make a Difference Day'' contest, which challenges volunteers to 
make a difference in people's lives. There are approximately 1,100 New 
Jersey residents waiting for life-saving organs.
  The New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network was formed in June 
1987 when the State's three organ procurement organizations merged into 
one. And that year, the legislature passed legislation requiring New 
Jersey hospitals to ask families of deceased patients whether organs of 
the deceased may be donated. The Sharing Network operates an extensive 
outreach program to educate the public on the need for organs and the 
importance of donation. Since then, the Sharing Network has more than 
tripled the number of organs recovered in New Jersey for 
transplantation. An estimated 2,600 lives have been saved through 
transplants.
  Major religions support organ donation. The Rabbinical Council of 
America has approved organ donation and Pope John Paul II referred to 
organ donations as an act of great love.
  Organ and tissue donation saves lives. Thousands of people die each 
year for the lack of organs because not enough people choose to be 
organ donors. I wish to join these young people from my community in 
urging everyone to sign an organ donor card. These young people deserve 
the recognition and commendation of this Congress.

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