[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 30, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S3362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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      RECOGNIZING THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR ORGAN DONATION

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I take a moment to recognize the 
International Association for Organ Donation, IAOD. The IAOD strives to 
increase awareness of organ donation and transplantation, as well as 
bone marrow and tissue donation. This organization provides educational 
and outreach programs to the general public, with a focus on racial and 
ethnic minorities.
  Each April, the International Association for Organ Donation 
celebrates National Donate Life Month. This year is especially 
important as it marks the 50th anniversary of the first successful 
liver transplant. In honor of this monumental occasion, the IAOD is 
sponsoring ``50 Years of Sharing Life'' to publicize the plight of 
those in need of an organ transplant.
  Today in America, 83,000 patients are currently awaiting an organ 
transplant. Although there are 68 successful organ transplants each 
day, an additional 100 patients are added to the waiting list and 
sadly, 18 people die each day as they wait for this life-saving 
procedure. Tissue donations, such as bone marrow, are also in short 
supply. Nearly 3,000 people are searching the National Marrow Donor 
Program Registry at any one time and an additional 3,000 patients are 
added to the registry each month.
  There is something we all can do to reduce these staggering 
statistics. Great strides could be made if the estimated 10,000 to 
14,000 eligible Americans who die each year pledge to become organ 
donors. The IAOD is a driving force in sharing the message that life is 
a gift to share.
  It is with great pleasure that I offer my sincerest appreciation and 
support to the International Association for Organ Donation as it 
celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first successful liver 
transplant. I give my thanks to the organization, its staff, and its 
partners as they work to fulfill their lifesaving mission.

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