April is National Donate Life Month. Each year, April is a month-long celebration of the gifts of organ, eye and tissue donation. April is a time to share this message about organ donation and transplantation. The goal is to reach the people in our communities and encourage them to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor.

I was recently honored by being named LifeSource’s Ambassador of the Year. I am truly touched by this distinguished award. On April 18th, LifeSource will be honoring me and the other award recipients at the annual Donate Life Day celebration. I love spreading awareness for organ donation with the hopes that others will not have to wait as long as I did for a transplant. On average, 21 people die while waiting for life saving transplants due to the lack of organs available. This month, please share with friends, family, and co-workers the importance of being a registered organ donor. Here is a link to be a registered donor if you don’t already have the Donor box checked on your license.Mark your calendar, Friday, April 17th, is National Donate Life Blue and Green Day. If you support organ donation check your wardrobe and wear blue and green.

Along with being named Ambassador of the Year, WCCO News will be featuring a piece about my journey on April 15th (tax day) on the 10pm evening news cast. Hopefully, sharing my story with their audience will change lives.

Health update, the cold that I thought was “quick” has re-surfaced. I have been a little congested. I had an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) appointment on Thursday for my routine nose squirt and I have yellow junk in my nostrils. I also had a red throat. I have lung functions and my regular lung doctor appointment tomorrow. I am nervous to see how my lung functions will be.

Have a wonderful Easter, Happy Passover, or maybe you celebrate Go For Broke Day, either way, I hope you are able to enjoy spending time with your family.