So, April is Organ Donation Awareness Month. To be honest, we’re not sold on it. Maybe that’s because we know that the need for awareness is so critical and the situation so dire, that one month isn’t going to cut it.

Sure, we know that the idea behind the designated month is to draw some extra attention, to focus efforts and to time some activities. We will probably even get involved in some of them. Our worry is that those who don’t quite get it, those who haven’t signed up to be donors, won’t think about it again until April rolls around next year. And what if they miss the hype? After all, April is a designated month for many other issues.

There are thousands waiting for the gift of life today. There will be equally as many, and probably more in May, October and January. For a truly unacceptable number of families, the wait is too long. Maybe “April showers” represents the frustration that is organ donation in Canada – the tears of despair, fear, and grief? We look forward to an April Organ Donation Month where we consider the rain as nature intended: the hope that is spring renewal. We can get on board with that.

The urgency is great but the requirement on you is small: sign up to be an organ donor!

#jimshearts #beadonor