In an announcement yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul proudly revealed a significant milestone for New York: over 50% of eligible residents are now registered as organ and tissue donors.
"This is a very important milestone for New York and the thousands of New Yorkers who are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant,"
Hochul emphasized.
The state's donor registry was just 22% a decade ago, and the increase to 50% is a hopeful sign for the roughly 8,000 New Yorkers still on the waitlist. But despite this progress, too many lives are still lost each year due to the shortage of donors.
Hochul called for continued awareness, noting that just one donor can save up to eight lives and heal 75 others.
The impact of this achievement is felt close to home, particularly for one of our own: Elizabeth, fondly known as Betty, a cherished figure in Poughkeepsie.
Betty has dedicated her life to volunteer work and caregiving, but now she's facing a life-threatening challenge herself.
She urgently needs a kidney transplant due to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), which has progressed to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Since 2020, Betty has endured grueling dialysis sessions that sap her energy and cause debilitating headaches. But with a kidney transplant, she could regain her vitality and freedom.
While Governor Hochul's announcement gives hope, the need for donors remains critical. Betty is currently searching for a donor, even exploring options through the National Kidney Registry (NKR).
You can help by sharing Betty's story or considering becoming a donor yourself. As Hochul reminded us, "Making that decision to provide the gift of life is a great example of the giving spirit of New Yorkers."
New York's organ donor milestone is a huge step forward, but the need for more donors is still urgent -- especially for those like Betty, right here in the Hudson Valley. By sharing her story or considering organ donation, you could be the difference that saves a life.