A Chance To MakeA Life-Saving Donation @ (NAPSA)—At this moment, all over America, nearly 80,000 people are awaiting an organ transplant. Every day, about 16 of them will die because not enough organs are available to meet the need. Approximately 30,000 people are diagnosed with leukemia or other blood diseases—potentially treatable with marrowcell transplants. Yet, just one in three will find a donor match within their family. And although 60 percent of Americans are eligible to give blood, only five percent actually donate. You can help. The need for many types of life-saving donations, such as blood, tissue and organs, is great. Your donation can help savea life. National Donor Day helps address the urgent need forlifesaving donations. Saturn Corporation, its United Auto Worker (UAW) partners and many of America’s leading non-profit health organizations will join together in this nationwide effort to save lives. At participating Saturn retailers across the country, people are invited to donate blood or pledge to donate blood, be added to the National Marrow Donor Registry, and/or complete an organ and tissue donation pledge card. “We believe National Donor Day is the largest annual one-day blood, organ and tissue donation drive in America,” says Jill Lajdziak, Saturn vice president of sales, service and marketing. Nationa. Bonot Day F@ SATURN & “Since Donor Day began four years ago, we have collected approximately 30,000 units of blood, added more than 6,000 potential marrow donors to the National Marrow Donor Program Registry, and informed thousands of Americans of the urgent need for organ and tissue donors.” Here are some of the general facts about donation that you should know: Anyone between the ages of 18 and 60—and in good general health—can join the National Marrow Registry. All it takes is a simple bloodtest. * To donate blood, you must be 18 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health on the day of donation. According to experts, the organ donor supply would be more than adequate if all potential donors would tell their family and loved ones of their wishes. If you sign or have signed an organ donorcard, tell people aboutit. This year, National Donor Day will be held on February 14 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at participating Saturn retailers. For more information on Saturn National Donor Day, or to receive an organ or tissue donation pledge card, call 800-553-6670 or visit the Website at www.saturnuaw.com.
