Organ and tissue donation represents one
of the highest forms of loving and giving.

During the weekend of Nov. 9-11, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network will join clergy and healthcare professionals across the country to observe National Donor Sabbath - an interfaith celebration of the gifts of hope provided through organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Together, the religious and healthcare communities will urge people to make faith-based decisions to become organ and tissue donors.

Nearly all religions in the United States support organ and tissue donation as one of the highest expressions of compassion and generosity. Yet, a common reason families give when they choose not to donate a loved one’s organs and tissues is “donation is against my religion.” In fact, a Gallup poll showed that fewer than 10 percent of people in the United States are aware that their religions have doctrines regarding donation.

Although specific beliefs differ from denomination to denomination, the underlying theme is the same: Organ and tissue donation represents one of the highest forms of compassion and giving. These are basic principles upon which all religions are based.

With a national list of nearly 100,000 men, women and children waiting for the gift of life and thousands more waiting for a life-enhancing tissue or cornea transplant, it’s time for all of us to participate in this educational celebration of life and hope.

Join us in spreading the message that by giving of ourselves through organ and tissue donation, we give the gift of life.