Organ Donors Celebrated at a Ceremony in Duluth

Community Members Raise Awareness of the Importance of Organ Donor Programs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Essentia Health, LifeSource and the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank raised awareness of the need for Organ Donations, at a ceremony held in front of the St. Mary’s Building in Duluth.

Community members shared their personal experiences and thoughts of how organ donor programs have touched their lives. Family members of donors and recipients were among those who attended the ceremony and shared their message.

Gloria Mattakat’s son, Tom, became an Organ Donor in 1993, after losing his life in a Snowmobile Accident. His heart helped extend the life of a woman in need of a heart transplant, by 14 years. Ever since then, Gloria has been an advocate for Organ Donations.

“To give a big hug to the lady who has your son’s heart… I can’t even put it into words.” said Mattakat.

Organ Donations don’t just help save lives, they also help improve them. Currently St. Mary’s Hospital has had Almost 1500 eye donors, and more than 1400 people’s sight has been restored through cornea transplants.

“Well it’s probably one of the greatest gifts that one can give to most of the time a total stranger,” said David Stromgren, an organ Recipient.

1300 eyes that have also been donated to research diseases like Macular Degeneration.

Currently more than 118,000 Americans are waiting in line for an Organ transplant. If you are interested in becoming a donor, you can register when you applying for or renewing your driver’s License or state Id. You can also visit www.DonateLifeMN.org. for more information.