Celebrate National Minority Donor Awareness Week!

Hey everyone! Sorry I’ve been away for a few weeks. I’ve been celebrating my engagement and as always, I am trying to spread organ and tissue donation awareness in my community! Did you know that this week is National Minority Donor Awareness Week? It is a time to honor minority donors and their final act of kindness. It’s also a time to thank our minority donor families, recipients and organ donation advocates who help us raise awareness about the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation in all communities. It doesn’t matter what color you are or where you’re from… you can give the greatest gift of all to another person through organ and tissue donation – Life! During National Minority Donor Awareness Week, it is SO important to increase awareness of the need for more organ and tissue donors, especially among minorities. I also try to encourage others to register as donors and to take better care of their health to shorten the list of those waiting for a life-saving or life-enhancing transplant.

Maria Perez and her family participate in NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Walk/Race each year to honor her son. His gift of organ donation saved 5 lives! Maria also goes into the Hispanic community to talk about organ and tissue donation to help raise awareness!

So my friends, here are a few things that you can do to stay healthy and help save lives!

 1. Register to be an organ and tissue donor. National Minority Donor Awareness Week is a great time to register to be an organ and tissue donor!
2. Let your family know your wishes. One person can save up to 8 lives through the gift of donation, and over 50 through the gift of tissue!
3. Take care of your health. Get your blood pressure checked this week! Fast Fact: Minorities are at higher risk for developing high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which increase the chance of organ failure.
4. Exercise. Go for a walk, a swim, or a hike, or take the stairs instead of the elevator! Reducing your risk of obesity, hypertension and diabetes can decrease your chances of needing an organ transplant.
5. Choose healthier food options. More green vegetables and less red meat are keys to a healthier diet! Try to eat more veggies and cut out the sugary snacks.
6. Get the facts and spread awareness. Tell your friends why organ and tissue donation is so important!

Until next time!

XOXO

Ms. Pumps