LIGHTS

From page A1

Of the total, more than 4,000 are right here in the Mid-South with the majority waiting for a kidney (due to high blood pressure and diabetes). MSTF is a federally designated Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) serving parts of western Tennessee, northern Mississippi and eastern Arkansas.

“All mainstream religions support organ donation and say that it is the greatest gift. The gift of life. I ask people ‘What is going to happen when you leave this earth? There is nothing you can do with those organs, but you can extend life!” Burgess declared enthusiastically “My own sister was saved with a heart transplant twelve years ago and was able to see her grandchildren born” She reminded people that you can sign the back of your license and/or have a living will; sign up on the Organ & Tissue Donor Registry in your state to make your wishes known; or join the registry at www. MidSouthTransplant.org or at your state’s DMV office.

According to Kim Van Frank, Executive Director, Mid-South Transplant Foundation; “We’re proud of our work saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation. We encourage everyone in the counties we serve in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi to participate and help raise awareness. We hope more people will register as organ and tissue doors so more lives can be saved.”

Zola finished her presentation by commending the West Memphis Fire Department who participated in raising awareness and ended by saying “Don’t take your organs to heaven, because heaven knows we need them here.”

Those seeking more information may contact Burgess at (901) 328-4438 or looking them up on Facebook.