Valentine’s Day extends beyond matters of the heart, honors organ, eye, and tissue donors for National Donor Day

Though February 14 is most well-known for displaying acts of love through Valentines, something most people are not aware of is the day’s recognition for another matter of the heart…or kidneys, liver, lungs, tissue, or corneas. In addition to celebrating love, the 14^th of February also recognizes those who have given the gift of life through National Donor Day. The day of recognition was started in 1998 by the Saturn Corporation and its United Auto Workers partners, with the support of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and many nonprofit health organizations, to increase awareness for organ, eye, tissue, marrow, platelet and blood donation.

Today, nearly 113,000 patients are on the waiting list to receive a lifesaving organ transplant, and countless others are in need of corneas and tissue. One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation, and heal many more through the gift of eye and tissue donation.

So, how can you celebrate Donor Day? It’s quite easy, and it doesn’t involve actually going out and finding someone who needs an organ. You can take a small step by registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor.

There is no better way to express love than to commit to saving and healing the lives of others. LifeCenter Northwest encourages you to spread the love, discuss your decision with your friends and family, explain to them the incredible impact donation has on countless lives.

Today we celebrate how truly generous the human spirit is and honor the many people who have given the gift of donation to save and heal the lives of others- most often the life of someone they’ve never even met. Now that is a ultimate act of love.

Below are a few donor we would like to honor today, and everyday. Click on their photos to read their stories and visit our stories of hope page to read more inspiring stories about donation and transplantation.