Welcome to Transplant for Life

Background:
Transplant for Life, an all-volunteer faith-based organization, has developed innovative approaches for energizing a wide range of clergy and congregations to participate not only in National Donor Sabbath, but in various organ and tissue donor-related events on a year-round basis. TFL began with an astonishing success story during the late 1990s when it increased regional participation in its targeted congregations from 10% to 90%.

Since then, TFL continued to provide advice and information to over 500 religious organizations. TFL proved that an all-volunteer grass-roots organization with relative minimal expense can achieve impressive results by developing and implementing innovative strategies that are successful far beyond the usual experience. As of this time, TFL is no longer providing advice and support for this program, but continues to host the information and forms necessary for congregations wishing to continue this valuable service.

Jerry Mark, who served as co-chair of TFL before his death, experienced first-hand the value of organ and tissue donor awareness in the pharmacy he co-owned for many years. We honor his many years of service.	Gerald "Jerry" Mark

The Problem: Needless Death and Suffering
Because of Insufficient Awareness (2007 statistics)

Before the end of this day 17 Americans will die while waiting for an organ transplant. And another 17 will die tomorrow—last year alone, six thousand Americans from all walks of life, from all cultures and religions, Americans beloved by their families and friends will die unnecessarily.
Over 89,000 Americans await transplants, their health and comfort degrading with each additional day they wait—an increase of over 26% in the last two years alone.
Only about one-third of the 15,000 potential donors who die each year are actually used for transplants.
Each day, 74 Americans receive life-sustaining transplants—over 25,000 last year—because of the foresight and selfless generosity of donors and their families. They are the lucky ones. Insufficient awareness and education regarding organ donations has needlessly accounted for much of the shortfall in available organs and tissues.

We who are congregants of religious communities can make one of the greatest blessings possible… saving life. And organ donor awareness programs ARE making a difference—for the first time since 1995, organ donations have started to rise. But there is still much to be done!

A Higher Purpose: Transplant for Life Works for "Miracles Through Understanding"

All mainstream religions agree that organ and tissue donation represents a spiritual act of love, caring, and giving. Many people who have received transplants have referred to their return to health as a "miracle," a blessed event. Transplant for Life is committed to motivating clergy and their congregations to become catalysts and ongoing participants in this holy undertaking year round.

Making a Difference: A National Donor Sabbath Guide for Action

Transplant for Life provides the downloadable easy-to-follow National Donor Sabbath 5-Step Guide. We offer a proven system of communication and confirmation to clergy, congregants, and administrators that increases organ and tissue donor awareness in congregations of all faiths. A small group of dedicated volunteers can make a positive difference in saving lives in your religious community. The Guide includes Action Forms that will facilitate these efforts. National Donor Sabbath is designated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Transplantation, to take place the week before Thanksgiving. However, many organizations have used our resources to raise organ donor awareness in their congregations throughout the year.
To Learn About Our Innovative 5-Step System, CLICK HERE.

*Based on our experience we know the five steps outlined here will work for your organization. Feel free to identify your organization with ours. Together we can join in a united effort to save lives and feel the warmth of God’s hand on our shoulders. Bless you.