[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 54 (Monday, April 26, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4370-S4371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATION OF LIFE DONOR MONUMENT

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I have the privilege today of honoring a 
unique and extraordinary group of people organ donors. In Utah this 
week a very special monument is being dedicated to the memories and 
sacrifices of many Utah families who have given others a new chance at 
life. The Celebration of Life Monument at Salt Lake City's new Library 
Square will stand as a testament to the many heroes whose organs have 
been donated. The monument will also serve as a beautiful, peaceful, 
and serene place for people to visit and hopefully feel inspired by the 
gift of organ donation.
  Visitors to the monument will be surrounded by three glass serpentine 
Walls of Honor inscribed with the names of organ, eye, and tissue 
donors; super blood donors; and body research donors. Five life-sized 
bronze statues of recipients will also grace the grounds of the 
monument which were sculpted by the very talented Utah artist, Gary 
Price. These statues represent the impact organ donation has on people 
of every culture and age who are given a second chance for life by the 
sacrifice of others. In addition, guests will also be able to enjoy a 
beautiful water fountain in the center of the monument

[[Page S4371]]

symbolizing the renewal of life and the ripple effects of donation.
  It is important to note that one organ donor can save the lives of 
nine people. In addition, a single eye and tissue donor can restore 
sight to two people and enhance the lives of up to 50 more. What a 
wonderful legacy to leave behind. To actually save and enhance the 
lives of so many others is almost beyond compare.
  Someone once said, ``If today brings even one choice your way, choose 
to be a bringer of the light.'' Thousands of families each year across 
America choose to be ``bringers of the light.'' To the loved ones and 
family members who are faced with the agonizing decision to share the 
gift of organ donation at the very same time they are faced with the 
death of someone they love and cherish, I want to say a very simple and 
heart-felt ``thank you.'' Thank you for your choice, for your 
sacrifice, and for your precious gift. Your gift has helped thousands 
of people live another day to experience the joys of life, people who 
can now see the face of their child, and people who can now experience 
the ultimate blessing of good health and strength. Your precious gift 
is sacred and inspiring.
  I sincerely hope that the presence of this new monument in Salt Lake 
City will motivate and educate people across our State and Nation to 
register as an organ donor and prepare themselves and their loved ones 
for what may be the ultimate gift of life. Utahns can do this by 
visiting the web site www.yesutah.org and register; or by call (866)--
YES-UTAH. I truly believe that out of the tears of tragedy; comfort can 
be found in organ donation. Our lives can be extended through the eyes, 
skin, blood, and organs of others.
  I want to sincerely congratulate all of those who have shared their 
tears and joy through building this wonderful monument. Many people and 
organizations in Utah have toiled for several years to make this dream 
a reality. May the people who visit be stirred by the names and 
memories of those who are named there, and may the peace of this 
monument inspire many to register to become an organ donor. I have 
always been touched by the quote, ``To the world you may be one person, 
but to one person . . . you may be the world.'' Any of us can be ``the 
world'' for someone special through organ donation.

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