Logan Regional Medical Center Holds Annual Ceremony for Donate Life Month

?April marks National Donate Life Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation and to honor the individuals who have saved lives through donation. This month-long observance highlights the life-saving benefits of organ donation and encourages people to register as donors.?

Nationally, more than 100,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant, including 2,500 people in western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. At least 20 will die each day without receiving the transplant they so desperately need. Someone is added to the transplant waiting list every ten minutes.

Logan Regional Medical Center is pleased to join the Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE) to raise awareness and to inspire everyone to register to be an organ donor. A ceremony was held at LRMC for Donate Life Month.

Paul Ronk of Alum Creek, WV was the guest speaker. Paul’s 22-year-old son, Jacob Ronk, passed away unexpectedly Easter weekend of April 2017. Paul shared a touching story that through organ donation, Jacob saved the lives of 6 individuals: Gordon, who now has Jacob’s heart; Jeff, the man with Jacob’s liver – two others who have Jacob’s kidneys, and two individuals in Morocco who now see life through Jacob’s corneas.

Paul shared a recording of Jacob’s heart, in a stuffed bear that was a gift from Gordon the first time they met.

“We are so proud that Jacob made the choice to be an organ donor and we stand here today to honor him,” said Paul. “Tragedy and sorrow can coexist with joy and thankfulness. We experience them all daily. The decision can make a difficult time much easier for your family and it can change the lives of those who receive them. We will miss our son until our last breath, but we are so thankful that parts of him can continue to live on.”

National Donate Life Month is an opportunity to educate the public about the benefits of organ donation and encourage more people to register as donors. It also provides a chance to recognize the impact that organ donation has on individuals, families, and communities. Every year, thousands of lives are saved and transformed through organ donation.

"We are proud to support National Donate Life Month and help raise awareness about the critical need for organ donors," said David Brash, CEO of Logan Regional Medical Center. "Organ donation has the power to save lives and improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities. By registering as an organ donor, individuals can make a lasting impact and help ensure that others have a chance at a second chance at life."

Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history. Individuals are encouraged to talk with family and friends about registering as a donor. One organ donor can save up to eight lives and a tissue donor can improve the lives of more than 100 others. To sign up, visit CORE.org/register.