Organ donors and recipients meet on Capitol lawn for Donate Life Day

John Taylor

Phoenix Organ Donor Examiner

The lawn was filled with photos and family, laughter and tears Tuesday, when transplant recipients, organ donors and donor families met for the Third Annual Donate Life Day at the State Capitol.

Organized by Donate Life Arizona as part of National Donor Month, the day is an opportunity for those from both sides of the organ donation process to meet, share stories, and honor those who are gone but not forgotten.

Hundreds of photos of donors and transplant recipients stood in tribute on the capitol grounds, along with several Donor Quilts, serving as a colorful reminder that the decision to become an organ donor is the decision to give the gift of life.

The event served a special purpose this year, providing an opportunity for state lawmakers to meet those who have received a second chance at life through organ donation. These same lawmakers will continue to address the controversy over state Republicans decision to cut Medicaid funds to those in need of life saving transplants.

House Minority Whip Anna Tovar, D-Tolleson (District 13) is not only one of the lawmakers pushing the governor to reinstate transplant funding. She was twice the recipient of a lifesaving transplant in her battle to beat leukemia. Tovar says she is not satisfied with the governor’s recent letter, stating her “intent” to restore that funding.