Madison based WPS Health Insurance has launched an organ and tissue donation campaign with an ambitious goal: one million donors by 2010. There was some heartfelt testimony at WPS headquarters on Wednesday for the roll out of the ORGANize to Save Lives effort.
Kathy Schultz with UW Transplant and Organ Procurement has high praise for the families of deceased organ donors. “These people, who in their darkest hour, find the courage and strength to give the gift of life, both humble and inspire me,” said Schultz. Ken Vos, a former U.S. Marine from Mishicot, spoke about his decision to donate a kidney earlier this year to the daughter of another former Marine. And Bill Bohn, a heart recipient, noted he's also an organ donor: just check out his driver's license. “I've got the dot,” said Bohn. “The only thing I can't give you is my heart. Anything else is yours. The sad part is, while we're sitting here talking about it, somebody is passing away, because there wasn't an organ available.” Organ donors in Wisconsin can designate themselves by placing an orange donor sticker on their drivers licenses
There are currently some 100-thousand people on organ donor waiting lists nationwide. WPS is partnering with UW Health, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and the Wisconsin Medical Society for the new effort.
