Local residents encouraged to register as organ donors

April is ‘Be A Donor’ month and local officials are raising awareness about organ donation and the impact it has on people’s lives.

Nearly six years ago local resident Claire Simard Stewart had only a couple of hours to live when she received the Gift of Life, a liver transplant.

“Since then I’ve seen my youngest son get married, I’ve got a three week old granddaughter, I’ve seen and done many things that would not have been possible had I not received the gift of life,” she says.

Stewart also says not only is the organ recipient impacted, but it’s appreciated by their entire family.

She also says North Bay is doing really well when it comes to organ donation registrations.

“North Bay tops the list at 57 percent of people who are registered. That shows to the kindness and togetherness of our community,” she says.

But, Stewart also says that means 43 percent are not registered and is encouraging them to sign up.

Check out beadonor.ca or visit a local ServiceOntario Centre to register.

The Nipissing Gift of Life Association is also on Facebook.

Events are being held throughout April at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, the North Bay Farmer’s Market and Nipissing University.

They’re also taking part in #GreenShirtDay on April 7th, with everyone encouraged to wear green and go to City Hall at noon that day for a photo.

On April 7th last year Humboldt Broncos defenceman Logan Broulet’s organ donation saved six lives.

Photo submitted: (L-R) Mary Beaucage and Claire Simard Stewart