Whereas, A record 954 people in Michigan gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation in 2005, saving and enhancing the lives of others, while unfortunately more than 2,900 of our fellow Michigan citizens remain on the list waiting for an organ to become available; and,

Whereas, Last year, 987 Michigan eye donors provided corneas for transplant to 1,531 people, allowing them to experience an enhanced lifestyle and greater well-being; and,

Whereas, Greater awareness and education about the need for organ, tissue, and eye donations is crucial if we are to increase the number of names on the Gift of Life Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donor Registry and save more lives; and,

Whereas, It is important for our citizens to discuss organ, tissue and eye donations with their families, enroll on the Gift of Life Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donor Registry and sign the back of their driver’s license to ensure their organ donor wishes are known; and,

Whereas, Organ, tissue, and eye donations can provide families who are tragically confronted by the death of a loved one, the comfort of knowing the gift of donated organs and tissues endows another person with renewed hope for a healthy life; and,

Whereas, Giving life through organ, tissue, and eye donations to someone facing imminent death or living with blindness or a disability is the ultimate act of generosity and kindness we as Michigan citizens can perform; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2006, as Donate Life Month in Michigan, and I encourage all citizens to recognize the importance of organ, tissue, and eye donation, and to discuss the possibility of donation with family members.