Gentile joins Donate Life Connecticut to support bill

     State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, joined Donate Life Connecticut at a press conference in support of House Bill #5333 which creates  an education and awareness advisory panel to explore the best practices to increase organ and tissue donation rates in Connecticut.
    In addition to establishing the panel, the proposal establishes an Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Fund and creates a $2 voluntary contribution option for those applying or renewing their vehicle registration to help sustain it.
     “This legislation is very important and very personal to me.  My mother was an organ and tissue donor.  Upon her death, her corneas were able to be donated.  At the time of my mom's death, her general health condition was far from perfect, but she was still able to donate,” Gentile said. “It is crucial we provide education and create awareness for this life-saving program, particularly with regard to the misconception that in order to be a donor you must be in perfect health.  That simply is not the case.”
     “Knowing my own sister gave life to others when her's tragically ended, gives me great pride. This legislation will not only save lives of those in need of a transplant - but give bereaved families the opportunity to save other families from similar grief,” said Kari Mull, Director of Donate Life Connecticut.
     Jaime Rotatori, (mother of child heart transplant recipient from Seymour) said, “Without my son's donor family, we wouldn't have the chance to see my miracle child grow up. Aaron is now an active, healthy six-year old boy excelling in first grade and his favorite activity, karate!”
     Donate Life Connecticut is dedicated to increasing the number of registered organ and tissue donors in Connecticut through outreach and education.
     The website is: www.DonateLifeConnecticut.org

Gentile is in her fourth term serving the 104^th House District in Ansonia and Derby.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf663tqsl3o

The above press release was provided by a Gentile staff member.