Charity

The Great Bimmer / MINI Roundup 2007 event is being held to increase awareness and raise money for organ donation and procurement. All proceeds will from the raffle will go to the charity below. Additionally there will be speakers on hand to talk about organ donations and what we all can do to help save lives.

Southwest Transplant Alliance (STA) STA is a non-profit organ and tissue donor program serving hospitals & patients throughout much of Texas. Founded in 1974, STA is one of the largest of 59 federally designated organ procurement organizations in the U.S. In its service area, STA is the official link between those who need an organ to survive, and those who have the potential to save lives by becoming donors.

Organ Shortage

The truth is, despite continuing advances in medicine and technology, the demand for organs is vastly greater than the number of organ donors.

Organ donation is all about LIFE. When you donate your organs you give someone the most precious gift--a chance to live. Transplants provide hope for thousands of people with organ failure. Your commitment to organ and tissue donation can save lives. The most important part of deciding to be a donor is telling your family. And that doesn't mean talking about death. It is talking about the opportunity to give another person a second chance at life.

In most states, your family will be consulted about your wish to donate at the time of death. Even with a signed donor card, indication of your wishes on your driver's license, or listing with a donor registry, it may be your family/next of kin who gives final consent. Talk to your family about organ donation. Talk to your family about donating LIFE.

In fact every 30 minutes someone is added to the waiting list. Each day 63 people receive an organ transplant, but another 16 people on the waiting list die because not enough organs are available.

Who Can be a Donor

Do you think that you may be too old or that your health is too poor to be a donor? Think again! In 1999, more than 580 people age 65 and older were organ donors. To determine if someone can be a donor, an organ recovery coordinator conducts an evaluation at the time of death. The coordinator looks at the patient's past medical and social history, as well as present medical condition. This is done in a confidential manner.

Because many people who might think they cannot donate are good donor candidates, it is important that you sign a donor card and, above all, let your family know your wishes.

The Benefits of Donation

In 2000, organ transplantation saved or enhanced the lives of more than 20,000 men, women, and children. Although organ donation is often related to a sudden and tragic death, many donors and their families see the decision to donate as a rewarding choice. The decision to donate can leave a positive legacy through the knowledge that others lived because of that choice.

Statistics

Below is a table showing the current number of candidates on waiting list for an organ donation as of Feb. 22nd, 2006.