Mayor Arrigo, Representative Vincent Honor Organ Donors At City Hall
May 11, 2016
On Wednesday, May 11, Mayor Brian Arrigo welcomed State Representative RoseLee Vincent, School Committeewoman Stacey Rizzo, the office of Speaker Robert DeLeo, registrar of motor vehicles Erin Deveney, and the New England Organ Bank to City Hall to celebrate “Donate Life Month,” which encourages residents to sign up to become organ donors. Whenever any Massachusetts resident fills out paperwork at the RMV, they have the opportunity to check the box and become an organ and tissue donor.
During the event, Mayor Arrigo shared the story of his father, who received a double lung transplant in 2014.
“This was especially personal for me,” said the Mayor. “Thanks to the gift of life my father received from his double lung transplant in 2014, he was able to see me get married, have a son, and get elected Mayor. Having him here for those major life events has meant so much to me and my family. I’m so grateful for everyone who chooses to serve others by being an organ donor.”
In 2015, 719 lives were saved in New England because of the generosity of individuals who became organ donors. Thousands more lives were enhanced through the gift of tissue donation. With the need for life-saving transplants growing every day - over 121,000 patients are now on the US transplant wait list - it is crucial to educate communities about taking action to register as donors. The “Donate Life” celebration commemorates those who have received or continue to wait for lifesaving transplants as well as the families of individuals who chose to be donors.