Organ transplant recipients David Mitchell and Sarah Marshall address Cobourg council. Source cobourg.ca
Cobourg has officially proclaimed April as Organ Donor Month after hearing from two local transplant recipients whose stories underscored the stakes behind that decision.
The proclamation comes as Canada continues to encourage more people to register as donors and speak with loved ones about their wishes. Canadian Blood Services says National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week takes place during the last full week of April, while Ontario’s donor registry notes one donor can save up to eight lives and help many more through tissue donation.
Sarah Marshall, a Cobourg resident, told council she received a multi-organ transplant as an infant after being diagnosed with a rare condition called Megacystic Mycocolon Intestinal Hyperperistalsis Syndrome.
Marshall said the gift of donation allowed her to reach milestones she might never have had otherwise, including graduating, becoming a big sister and getting married.
Later in her remarks, she pointed to the ongoing need for donors in Ontario.
Those figures are broadly consistent with Ontario donor awareness materials, which say about 1,500 to 1,600 people are typically waiting for a transplant and that someone dies every three days while waiting.
David Mitchell also addressed council, recounting how a heart transplant saved his life after a sudden cardiac event.
Mitchell delivered a direct message about the importance of donation. “Your organs are no good in the ground… pass them on to somebody else, give somebody else that second chance at life.”
He and Marshall both encouraged residents to register their consent, whether online or when renewing their driver’s licence, noting the process takes just minutes but can save lives.
Council passed the proclamation unanimously, with plans to raise awareness through a flag at town hall and potential green lighting at Victoria Hall.
Residents can learn more or register at BeADonor.ca.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
