Beech Tree News Network

The Circuit Court Clerks of Kentucky made 2014 a momentous year in the fight to save lives.  With 998 Kentuckians on the waiting list for an organ transplant, there is no better time to join the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry.

In 2014, 103 unselfish individuals in Kentucky were able to save 332 lives, and many more individuals were able to enhance someone’s life or give sight through tissue and cornea donation.  Still more than 124,000 patients are currently waiting for their organ transplant.  Tragically, each day 21 patients lose their fight, and their lives, waiting.  Kentucky’s Circuit Clerks are determined to make a difference and end the wait.

“When you get your license or state ID, we ask if you would like to donate $1 to increase public education about the mission of organ donation in Kentucky.  We also ask if you wish to be a registered organ donor.  Every person who says ‘yes’ gives hope to all those patients on the waiting list,” explains Butler Circuit Clerk Melissa Cardwell.

Kicking off 2015 with heart, Cardwell’s office is reaching out to those in Butler County who have been touched by the mission of organ donation.  Elaine Phelps shared her story recently at a celebration at the Butler County Circuit Clerk's office. Her donor was a 15 year old young man that died as a result of an accident.  She has not spoken with his family at this point. Phelps' story is featured on the  Trust For Life website www.trustforlife.org.

"I led an active life, traveling, camping, and working with our horses.   Family, friends and community have always been important to me and I still tried to contribute as much as possible. In 2008 I was diagnosed with Glomeruli Nephritis.  I was able to continue working as a 911 dispatcher for a while, but in 2010 I became incredibly ill.  I was having to take a lot of medication, which lead me to make the heartbreaking decision to leave the job I loved.  I didn’t feel like I could safely continue dispatching.  I took my retirement and left Butler County E.M.S.

In January, 2011, I had to go on dialysis and went on the national transplant waiting list.  I did everything I could to stay as healthy as possible.  My motivation was that I wanted to live to have grandchildren.

On March 31, 2012 the call came from Vanderbilt and the journey began.  Early morning April 1st, surrounded by my family, the transplant took place without any problems.  I was released and came home for my birthday on April 5th.

I have since had no problems related to the Kidney transplant.  Because someone like you chose to say YES to joining the registry, I have a second chance at life and now, two beautiful grandsons ages 3 and 1 years old.  Organ donation allowed me to meet my grandchildren, and I am forever grateful."

“Many people have been touched by the gift of organ & tissue donation here.  By sharing these incredible journeys, we can inspire others to say ‘yes’ at the driver’s license window,” explains Cardwell.   “We are such a supportive community.  I hope more people will realize the need that is right here in our county.  It doesn’t cost anything to join the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry.  We hope to have over 50% of Kentuckians registered by next year.”

Do you have a donation story to share?  Local donor families, transplant recipients & families, and those who may need a transplant one day are invited to step forward.  Your involvement will educate others about the powerful gift of donation.  Please visit the Trust For Life website at www.trustforlife.org or call 1-866-945-5433.  Don’t forget to register as a donor too, and help Kentucky reach a national goal.  Regardless of medical history or age, everyone can register as a donor.

“In 2014, Butler County residents donated $1963 to the Trust For Life, and 350 residents joined the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry.  I am proud of the generosity of our community and appreciate your support of this life saving mission,” explains Cardwell.  Currently, 45% of Butler County residents are registered donors. In January 2015 Butler County was third in the state of Kentucky in dollar donations.

This year was a record year for Kentucky, thanks to the Circuit Clerks and their hardworking staff.  In 2014, 44.5% of Kentuckians donated $1 to the organ donation awareness program.  The Kentucky Organ Donor Registry reached a milestone and celebrated 1.5 million Kentuckians registered as donors.

 “Without the Circuit Clerks and deputies, we may not have 50,000 names on the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry.  Because of their questions at driver’s license, over 1.5 million Kentuckians have joined,” said Shelley Snyder, Executive Director of the Circuit Clerks’ Trust For Life program.  “Until this mission touches your family, many don’t realize how vital it is that everyone joins the Registry.  If it was my husband or my friend who needed a transplant to live another day, I would want them to have one.  That’s why I’m a registered donor.  If I can save a life when I’m gone, I’m willing to do it.”

The Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life is a 501C(3) non-profit organization that informs, educates, and encourages Kentuckians to be registered organ & tissue donors to save lives.  For more info call 1-866-945-5433, email [email protected] or go to www.trustforlife.org.

The Butler County Circuit Clerk's Office shows their support of the Kentucky Circuit Clerk's Trust for Life organ donor awareness program