Tiffany Greene, Building Community

April is national Donate Life month, and to bring awareness to the issue, News 13's Tiffany Greene explains how a local organ and tissue bank is getting the word out through the voices of donors and recipients.

There are some myths typically associated with being an organ donor, such as, "If you're in an accident and you go to the hospital, emergency workers won't do all they can to save your life."

Well, some organ donors and recipients are rolling across America to let people know that that is just not true.

With the cut of a ribbon, the Donate Life ATV's Across America Tour officially kicked off at Pine Castle Christian Academy. 

Kevin Monroe donated his kidney to his brother.  His brother eventually passed away, but Monroe's determination to tell others did not. 

Now he and his buddies are setting out on a 12-day journey across the country to encourage others to give the greatest gift of life.

"Talk to your families.  Make sure they are aware of your wishes should something happen.  The reality is we're all going to pass away and what better statement can we make at that point than to say, 'Here's part of myself, take it and enjoy life,'" Monroe said.

Jacob Bainter is just one of the many examples of how organ and tissue donation can change someone's life.

"When the idea of Jake becoming a tissue recipient was proposed to us, it really surprised us because we never realized in our lifetimes someone would be in need," said Jodi Bainter, whose son, Jacob, received a tissue transplant.

"Now I can run normal like other kids and now I can do everything normal kids can do," Jacob said.

More than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for an organ transplant.  If you would like to be an organ and tissue donor, or would simply like more information about it, click here.

To see more Building Community stories, go to News 13 On Demand, Digital Cable Channel 313.

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