Every November, Donate Life America leads the country in observing National Donor Sabbath, a three-day observance that provides faith leaders an opportunity to bring the Donate Life message and cause of organ, eye and tissue donation to their congregations and communities. National Donor Sabbath seeks to include the days of worship (Friday-Sunday) for faith communities of major religions practiced in the United States. This year, National Donor Sabbath will be celebrated November 15-17.
During National Donor Sabbath, communities of faith participate in services and programs to educate their members about the need for donation, the generosity of the gift and the importance of registering one’s decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor. It is a time to pray for health for recipients, strength for those waiting, and healing for donor families. National Donor Sabbath also offers a time to give thanks for registered donors, living donors and the legacy of life given by deceased donors.
All major religions in the U.S. support donation as an act of compassion and generosity. For many people, their faith and faith community play an important role in the decision to register as a deceased donor or to consider becoming a living donor.
Donate Life America’s message during National Donor Sabbath is to be a symbol of hope for those who are waiting. The art and resources created for this observance feature symbols for major religions within the United States. The phrase of “be a symbol” calls us all to consider our role within others’ donation and transplantation journeys. By registering your decision to be a deceased donor, you are giving hope to those waiting for a donated organ, cornea or tissues. By considering living donation, you are taking a step towards sharing the gift of life with someone who is currently waiting for a second chance at life.
To register your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, please visit SayYesGiveLife.org. For more information about National Donor Sabbath, please visit www.donatelife.net/nds.