Last Chance to Help UK Beat UofL in the Gift of Life Challenge
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 30, 2017) – The 17th Annual Gift of Life Challenge finishes up tomorrow, as the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky compete for the biggest number of new names added to the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry. The winning school receives a trophy at halftime of the men’s basketball game on Dec. 29 at Rupp Arena.
This competition has no losers, since every name added to the Kentucky Donor Registry gives HOPE to the more than 116,000 Americans and more than 1,000 Kentuckians in need on the transplant waiting list. Tragically, 22 people die each day awaiting a life-saving organ transplant.
“We’re so pleased that the state’s biggest universities understand the importance of organ donation and getting their students involved in something bigger than themselves,” said Crysta McGee, community educator of KODA. “This challenge underscores their commitment to giving hope to those waiting.”
The Gift of Life Challenge began in 2000 to build public awareness about organ donation. Since its inception, it has added thousands of names on the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry. As the number of registered organ donors grows, so will the number of lives saved through the miracle of organ and tissue transplantation. UK has won the trophy since 2012.
Supporters from each school can sign up when joining the Kentucky Donor Registry online. Those registering may choose “UofL Gift of Life” or “UK Gift of Life” under the tab that asks what influenced the decision to sign up as a potential donor. The challenge began early in November and runs through tomorrow, Dec. 1.
The “Gift of Life” Challenge is an initiative of the Donate Life Kentucky Coalition including: Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates, KY Circuit Clerks’ Trust For Life, Jewish Hospital, University of Kentucky Transplant Center, Kentucky Lions Eye Bank, National Kidney Foundation of Kentucky, Kidney Health Alliance of Kentucky, the American Red Cross, Central KY Blood Center, Be The Match Bone Marrow Program, and the Heather Trew Foundation.
For additional information on the challenge, contact Crysta McGee at 502-581-9511 ext. 6960.