Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today addressed donor families and transplant recipients at a ceremony to celebrate the miracle of organ donation and commemorate those who gave that precious gift of life to others.

The 9th annual Gift of Life rose bush planting ceremony took place on the grounds of Mercy Hospital in Cadillac. Vanderbilt resident and event coordinator Beverly Cherwinski invited Land to speak because of her commitment to organ and tissue donation. Cherwinski knows the importance of promoting greater awareness because she is a lung transplant recipient and the founder of the Organ Transplant Support Group of Northern Michigan.

"The rose bush that was planted today symbolizes the blessings of the gift of life and the deep gratitude of all who benefit from that gift," Land said. "Organ and tissue donation is an act of compassion and generosity that saves lives. Yet the number of organs available doesn't meet the demand. That is why it is so important to increase the number of names on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. Signing up is quick and easy to do. You may enroll online at www.Michigan.gov/sos or at any Secretary of State office."

Land also presented a certificate to Cherwinski in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Transplant Support Group of Northern Michigan. The group, which was founded by Cherwinski, provides support to donor family members, transplant recipients, those waiting for a transplant, caregivers and advocates of organ and tissue donation.

There are nearly 3,100 Michigan residents waiting for an organ transplant and about four will die each week. Land added that only about 14 percent of the state's population, or

1.4 million people, have their names on the donor registry. Nationally, nearly 99,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant and on average 18 people die each day. In light of these statistics, Land continually publicizes the need for donors.

Some of her initiatives include:

• The "Tell Us Now" campaign, which is funded by federal grant money and focuses on outreach and education. Volunteers meet with the public in select Secretary of State offices to promote organ donation and public service announcements are featured on television, radio and billboards. The two-year campaign, which began in Kent County in April, is being implemented in three phases, moving into Genesee, Saginaw, Oakland and Wayne counties over the next year.
• Donate Life Month and Buddy Day, which are observed each April. This year, the Department of State held news conferences across the state in observance of April as Donate Life Month. During Buddy Day on April 2, more than 350 Gift of Life Michigan and Michigan Eye-Bank volunteers staffed every open Secretary of State office to promote organ and tissue donation. As a result of April's activities and the grant program, the number of names on the donor registry jumped nearly 20,000 for the month, an increase of more than 1,700 names over last April.
• The "Show Us Your Heart" enrollment program, which began in January 2007. Residents signing up to be organ donors receive a heart sticker for the front of their driver's license or state identification card. The sticker quickly alerts medical personnel to cardholders' wishes to be donors.
• The Shining Star award, which was created by Land to recognize individuals or groups that have shown exceptional dedication and extraordinary effort in promoting the importance of organ and tissue donation. More than 15 people and organizations have received a Shining Star since its inception in 2005.

Rose bush planting ceremonies have been held in Gaylord, Cheboygan, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Traverse City, Gladwin, Alpena and Ludington. The events are marked by the planting of the Gift of Life rose, a hybrid tea rose developed in honor of all donor families.

For more information about the Department of State organ and tissue donor initiatives, visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.

Residents with questions about organ and tissue donation may contact Gift of Life Michigan at (800) 482-4881 or www.giftoflifemichigan.org.