I commend this paper for raising awareness about organ donation, specifically kidney transplants, over the last year. The stories that you have reported show the need and the challenges when people find themselves in a life-threatening situation. They also show the good we have in society when someone comes forward to help a person in need.

There are many heroes in our community who we probably don’t know exist. These heroes are at everyday places like the grocery store, your church or even at sporting events, and you would not even know that they helped save someone’s life.

These are people who have become organ donors. Many lives each year are saved because someone had the courage and compassion to come forward to be considered as a donor.

All organ donors, both living and deceased, are heroes. I write this not only to recognize those who are true heroes because of their acts of kindness but also to raise awareness of the need.

There are 121,000 people nationwide who need an organ transplant to save their lives. About 100,000 of these people need a kidney. If you know of someone in need, please take the time to just consider what it would take for you to save someone’s life.

I have been fortunate enough to be a recipient of such kindness. I thank my hero every day!

Ron Dupuis Jr.

Freeport

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