Guess what? The dismal state of organ donation is on you. More than 75% of you have not signed up to be an organ donor. What more do you need?

Yes we need education. Yes we need awareness building. Yes we need better collaboration across our provinces.

But seriously – you KNOW this is an issue. There isn’t a month that goes by that there isn’t a high-profile (or low-profile) story where someone needs an organ transplant. Why haven’t you done anything about it? Does it have to be a story where you are personally involved? That’s just ridiculous.

Here’s an example:

Not too long ago, the owner of the Ottawa Senators (Eugene Melnyk) shared his story of his journey for a liver transplant. It was big news! Even people who never read a newspaper heard about this. So why is Ottawa hovering around a 35% registration rate?

And another one:

In 2012, Hélène Campbell (of Ottawa) lived in Toronto while she waited for and recovered from her lung transplant. She brilliantly shared her poignant story. She was on Ellen for goodness sake! Why (oh why) is Toronto at a dismal 20% registration rate? You were hoping for Jimmy Fallon?

(Not to mention of course Jim’s story!!!)

We know that this is simplifying things (a lot) – but without you, there is no hope. You cannot pass the buck on to anyone else. Step up, and sign up.

For the too many people waiting on the organ transplant list all across our county and for everyone’s future:  sign up to be an organ donor today in Ontario and across Canada.

It is on you. Whether you like it or not.

#jimshearts #beadonor