Donate a Life Month Hosted At City Hall

JACKSON, Tn.- April is national donate life month. honoring donors. Registered donors, recipients and caregivers. The federal government reports that 17 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant.

39 News spoke with Toni Alexander who shared her story of how organ donation changed her life.

“Well, I was initially diagnosed with lupus, systemic lupus, which led to kidney failure. as a result of that. Um, we went to various doctors and hospitals to try to save the kidney. and ultimately, I needed a transplant.”

Toni was grateful to finally receive the transplant.

“My husband was my donor, but it wasn't necessarily an easy road to travel because it was my husband. um, we had a lot of obstacles to tackle, and because of that, I would encourage people to reach out to people anywhere to understand their story and connect yourself with positive people who can keep you encouraged along your journey.”

External affairs coordinator for Tennessee donor services, Byron Elam, explains how organ donation gives people a second chance at life.

“The sole purpose of organ tissue donation is to enhance and save lives of the people that are in need of organs whose lives can only be saved through the gift of donation.”

If you are interested in becoming a donor in Tennessee, you can visit donatelifetn.org or register to become a donor the next time you renew your driver's license. It could save a life.