APRIL 2, 2008

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today marked the start of this year's "Buddy Day" observance by highlighting the stories of grateful West Michigan families who have experienced the miracle of organ, eye and tissue donation.

Secretary of State offices across Michigan are hosting "Buddies," who are organ, eye and tissue recipients and family members of donors. Buddies share their stories with the public and encourage residents to add their names to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. Buddies are in Secretary of State offices from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.

"Organ donation is a statewide need that is critical to our friends and neighbors right here in West Michigan," Land said while visiting the Grand Rapids Area SUPER!Center. "The demand for organs far exceeds the supply but we can do something about it. It takes a few seconds to join the donor registry. Remember that one donor can save and enhance the lives of up to 50 people. Don't delay - sign up today."

Nearly 3,100 people across Michigan are awaiting organ transplants. More than 1.2 million residents already have expressed their wishes to save the lives of others by adding their names to the registry. Still, that represents about 12 percent of Michigan's 10 million residents, underscoring the need for more donors.

Representatives of Gift of Life Michigan and the Michigan Eye-Bank joined Land in thanking Buddies for their work and applauding families who shared their experiences.

The family of 6-year-old Fennville resident Kayleigh Jordan spoke of the support she received after sustaining severe eye damage in an accident just before her second birthday. Thanks to a cornea transplant, Kayleigh has partially restored sight that allows her to enjoy normal childhood activities.

Cornea transplants also brightened the life of 3-year-old Julia LaGrand of Grand Rapids. Julia was born with a rare ocular condition that severely limited her vision. She received one cornea transplant at 9 months old and a second when she was 16 months. The gift of sight dramatically shaped Julia's childhood development.

"The donor registry helps the Michigan Eye-Bank to provide the gift of sight from cornea donors to recipients," said Kevin Ross, Michigan Eye-Bank president and CEO. "It's how we tell each other we're ready to give that gift when the time comes."

You can join the registry at www.Michigan.gov/sos or at any Secretary of State office. You will receive a heart sticker to place on your driver's license or state-issued ID card. It alerts hospital personnel and emergency responders of your wish to be a donor. If you've enrolled in the past and didn't receive a sticker, please sign up again.

Land also honored retiring Gift of Life Michigan executive director Tom Beyersdorf for his 16 years of dedicated service. She presented Beyersdorf with a Shining Star award in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to organ donation.

Buddy Day is part of the Donate Life Month observance in April. More information is on the Gift of Life Michigan Web site at www.giftoflifemichigan.org, the Michigan-Eye Bank site at www.michiganeyebank.org and the Department of State site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.