Phoebe holds Donate Life flag raising ceremony to promote organ donation for Organ Donor Awareness Month

ALBANY, Ga. – April is Organ Donor Awareness Month and the Phoebe Health System is trying to raise awareness.

CBS 44’s Brian Roche has the latest on the impact organ donations have.

The Phoebe Health System raised the flag Wednesday afternoon to promote organ donation, as members of Phoebe’s staff recount their own experiences with a loved one needing a transplant.

Phoebe Health System officials raised the flag at exactly 1:08 this afternoon, and that’s no coincidence.

As Phoebe’s Chaplain, Joey Holloway explains the significance of the time and how it relates to the impact that organ donors can have.

“For every one organ donor, there’s about a possibility of eight other people who will receive the gift of life from that one organ donor. That’s a tremendous stat,” said Rev. Joey Holloway, Chaplain, Phoebe.

And, for people like Reverend Holloway, the impact that organ donors have turns tragedy into a second chance at life…

Esepcially since his son made sure on his ID before he passed away that he was an organ donor.

“We were emotional at the time. But, because we saw that on his card, we knew that was his wishes. And, we wanted to honor him. And, that kind of helped us. And, I see that as the chaplain here in the hospital a lot with our families when their loved ones are in the unit. And, they’re at that place of having to make that decision, it helps tremendously…” said Rev. Holloway.

But, then there’s the other end of the organ donation spectrum…

Those who’ve had a loved one saved by organ donations.

With Phoebe ICU Manager, Mallory Brents telling us about how her father-in-law had his life saved not once…

But twice by an organ donor.

“In the year 2000, my father-in-law was told that he would need a liver transplant in order to live. And, they tell stories of the grueling nights and days that they waited on that call, to head to that little airport, having their bags packed, staying close to home. And, one night they finally got that call and he got that chance at life again,” said Mallory Bents, Medical ICU Manager, Phoebe.

As the health system stressed the importance of being an organ donor, they hope that people will sign up, knowing it will save lives.

According to the Phoebe Health System, over a hundred thousand Americans are currently waiting on an organ transplant.

You can sign up to be an organ donor online at donatelifegeorgia.org, or visit your local motor vehicle department for more information.

Brian Roche reporting.

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