Enjoying the Simple Things for 20 Extra Years

A Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) on a Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Twenty years ago, Gary Bullion of Wisconsin was just a few days from death. Then, he heard his doctor utter the hope-giving words Gary had been waiting for - "We have a heart for you."

Last month, Gary celebrated the 20-Year Anniversary of his life-saving heart transplant. Today, thanks to a teenage donor, Gary enjoys the simple things in life. For instance, he :

• saw his third grandchild born,
• grows milkweed for monarch butterflies,
• plays in a band, 
• builds things, and 
• sketches wildlife.

Gary is another example of how organ donation truly makes a difference in people's lives. In many cases, like Gary's for example, the recipients are given their lives back allowing them to spend additional time with their family and resume the hobbies they enjoy.

If you have not registered as an organ and tissue donor yet, we encourage you to do so. Currently, there are over 118,000 Americans on the waiting list for life-saving organ transplants. Sadly, 18 of them die each day waiting on a match.

You can help out by visiting our website at www.SaveLivesTN.org by clicking here to learn how to register as an organ and tissue donor in the state where you live.

Read more - article on www.GazetteExtra.com titled "Edgerton Man Marks 20th Anniversary of Heart Transplant"