Senate of Hawaii Honors Families of Organ Donors for Their Lifesaving Gift

The Senate of Hawaii honored families of organ donors as part of National Donate Life Month. The families included, Kekoa Nelson from Maui, Duke DeRego of the Big Island and Jens Magelssen, former Honolulu police officer.

Many of the families held pictures of their loved ones. Duke DeRego died at the age of 14 and his donated organs helped three different people.

"Duke was always giving. He was a giving young man. This is the ultimate gift and just to know it means something - not only to us, to our Senate, to Hawaii, is just an honor," said Shirley DeRego, Duke's mother.

More than 400 people in Hawaii are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. The Hawaii Coalition on Donation seeks to promote awareness of organ donation ultimately, making the choice to donate as a very personal one.

On an average, 17 people die each day from lack of organ availability and Hawaii Coalition on Donation, aims to improve the lives of organ donors and recipients.

Source: Medindia