PEF and other labor unions throughout New York are working with state Assembly Member Richard Brodsky and his daughter, Willie Brodsky, and the NY Organ Donor Network to heighten public awareness of the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.
The state lawmaker and the NYS AFL-CIO decided to launch this initiative after Willie Brodsky received the life-saving donation of a kidney last year.
“In the aftermath of Willie’s kidney transplant, you and dozens of other labor leaders in New York graciously agreed to help with efforts to increase organ donation,” Brodsky wrote in a letter in PEF President Ken Brynien.
“The men and women of organized labor continue to step forward to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors. We’re proud to be your friends and to work with you on so many things. With your support and compassion, we can unite to make a powerful difference,” Brodsky wrote.
Brynien said PEF members understand and believe in public service, “and I know we will embrace the opportunity to sign on to the NYS Organ and Tissue Donor Registry to bring joy and life from the depths of personal tragedy.”
Nearly 100,000 Americans need organ transplants, and more than 8,000 of these are in New York state. Thousands more need donations of eyes, or tissues such as skin, bone and heart valves.
One donor can save up to nearly 60 lives.
You can enroll online to become a donor at www.donatelifeny.org, a confidential database administered by the state Health Department, or complete and mail the enrollment form on this page. Tell your family members you have registered, so they will understand your desire to make this lifesaving donation and ensure your wish is carried out.
“We know what it feels like to have a member of our family come face-to-face with a life-threatening illness,” Brodsky said. “Fortunately for us, we received a kidney from a donor whose family made a powerful and moving decision. We cannot begin to express our gratitude to her and her loved ones.
