Donate your organs.

As I write this, there are 89,879 people on the national transplant waiting list. Thankfully, as of mid-October, 8,487 people have generously donated their organs to 16,447 people. But we have a long way to go before all 89,879 people get the organs and tissues they need. But you can help meet that need. Here's how:

* Donate your organs. Learn how to become a donor and make sure that your wishes will be upheld. Make sure you tell to your family about your decision, and encourage them and others to become donors as well. Your organs and tissues can save and improve the lives of over 80 people!

* Promote organ donation in your community through speakers, brochures and other promotional materials. "Despite continuing advances in medicine and technology, the demand for organs drastically exceeds the number of organ donors. You can make the difference in someone's life by helping to increase organ donation."

* Donate time or money to the United Network for Organ Sharing, the National Donor Memorial, or the National Transplantation Resource Center. "Your gifts of money and time help save lives by supporting UNOS in educating the public about the critical need for organ and tissue donation. Every dollar of your tax-deductible contribution goes directly to programs aimed at increasing donation."

* Read donor stories at the National Donor Memorial. "Organ and tissue donors leave a miraculous legacy. They are living proof that death can bring life, that sorrow can turn to hope, and that a terrible loss can become the greatest gift of all. Every day they lead us on a journey of hope, renewal, and transformation."

Thoughtfully, prayerfully, consider all the ways you can donate life: blood (every 56 days), platelets (every 3 days), bone marrow, and organs. It is such a meaningful way to make a difference.

"The main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand." - Thomas Carlyle