    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [April 23, 2008]
    [Pages 568-569]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on National Donate Life Month
    April 23, 2008

        During National Donate Life Month, we show our appreciation for our
    fellow Americans who have saved lives by becoming organ, tissue, marrow,
    and blood donors, and we honor the health care professionals,
    researchers, and others involved in this lifesaving work. I was pleased
    today to meet with organ donors, medical professionals, and organ
    recipients, all of whom participated in a historic six-recipient kidney
    transplant in which six patients received

    [[Page 569]]

    new organs from six unrelated living donors. This history-making medical
    event took place 3 weeks ago at Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Transplant
    Center. These people are all firsthand witnesses to the gift of life,
    or, in this case, lives.
        We are blessed to have a health care system that is the best in the
    world and includes skilled medical professionals like those I met with
    today. We are also blessed to be a nation filled with generous and
    compassionate people. The selflessness of those who are donors is an
    inspiration.
        Unfortunately, thousands of Americans are on waiting lists for an
    organ or tissue transplant. I urge all Americans to make the decision to
    donate. For information about becoming an organ and tissue donor, go to
    organdonor.gov. Talk to your family, talk to your friends, and register.
    You can give a transforming gift of life.

    Note: The National Donate Life Month proclamation of April 1 is listed
    in Appendix D at the end of this volume.