Source: Victorville Daily PressDonating life
April celebrates organ, tissue donors
Mike McKay didn’t just leave memories for his family and friends after his death. His last gift has given people who had never known him live longer and richer lives.
McKay, a long time Wrightwood resident, told his family prior to his death that he wants to be an organ and tissue donor and joined the California registry. Then the tragic accident took place in January 2008 near Mountain High Ski Resort when an avalanche struck McKay, 23.
When his death was confirmed, doctors transplanted his organs and tissues to save lives of those in need.
McKay’s father said it was heartbreaking to face his dead son, but knowing his wish made it a little easier.
“Some small good came out of something horrible,” said Vince McKay, Mike McKay’s father.
More than 21,000 Californians are currently waiting for an organ transplant, and without more donors one-third of them will die — waiting, according to Donate Life California, a nonprofit organ and tissue donor registry. California accounts for 21 percent of the patients waiting for transplant across the country.
April is designated as National Donate Life Month, and the McKay family formed Team Mike last year to participate in the Donate Life Race/Walk. This year, more than 130 people have already signed up for the team to participate in the event held at Cal State Fullerton on May 1.
Team Mike contributed $3,000 to the Donate Life programs and helped raise money for the Mike McKay Memorial Foundation. The nonprofit scholarship fund created by Mike McKay’s family has awarded more than $8,000 to those who had achieved in fields that were affiliated with Mike McKay — who was a licensed EMT, life guard and ski patrol.
To read the full story, see Monday's Daily Press. To subscribe to the Daily Press in print or online, call (760) 241-7755 or click here.
For more information on Donate Life California Registry, visit the website at www.donatelifecalifornia.org. To join Team Mike, visit the team website at www.mikemckaymemorial.org.
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