Donate Life celebration recognizes organ, eye and tissue donors

Christiana Care’s President and CEO Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH, and Gift of Life Donor Program CEO Howard Nathan reunited once again to raise the Donate Life flag at Christiana Hospital, recognizing April as Donate Life Month.

After the flag ceremony and words memorializing all of the organ and tissue donors over the past year, the patients, donors, loved ones, physicians and surgeons gathered at a special event in the hospital cafeteria to unveil “Threads of Love,” a quilt made from squares designed by family members in memory of their loved ones.

Gift of Life and Christiana Care also recognized and remain grateful for the hospital staff who supported and cared for these donors and their families.

Nationally, more than 123,000 people are waiting for organ transplants and a second chance at life.

The 42-year-old Gift of Life Donor Program is Christiana Care’s partner in helping to optimize organ and tissue donations and distribution in our community.

In 2016 Christiana Care’s Transplant Program helped 35 men, women and children share a lifesaving gift of a heart, lung, liver, pancreas or kidney. Another 58 individuals donated tissue, such as bone, skin, corneas and heart valves, with the potential to save or enhance the lives of more than 3,000 patients.