LETTER: Everyone has the power to save lives

To the Telegram:

April is National Donate Life Month and in the spirit of giving, I encourage one and all to register to be an organ, tissue and eye donor. I speak from experience. On Nov. 29, 1993, my wife Susie received a heart from Tommy Mattakat of Duluth. Tommy was able to give Susie the “Gift of Life,” a gift our family will always be eternally grateful for.

Sadly, there are many people who die while they wait for their transplant simply because the organ they need is not available. We all have the power to save lives, up to 60 lives in fact. You can help provide hope and life to others by registering to be an organ and tissue donor today at www.donatelifemn.org or www.WisconsinDonor.org.

We can all learn from the generosity that Tommy Mattakat showed at the end of his life. We all have the power to save lives. Please consider becoming an organ donor. For those who have registered, a heartfelt thank you. Our family continues to miss Susie always, and Tommy continues to be our family’s hero.

Michael Jahn,

Maple

Tags: opinion, letters, health