‘It’s a precious gift': Donate Life honors organ donors and recognizes recipients

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- April is National Donate Life Month.

Donate Life honored organ donors and recognized recipients who received a lifesaving transplant on Wednesday, April 10. Donate Life rose a flag at 1:08 p.m. to signify how one donor can save eight lives.

Heart transplant recipient, Derek Lindstrom, spoke on what it meant for him to receive this second chance.

“I don’t know where I would be without that donor family, or where my family would be... it’s pretty amazing,” said Lindstrom.

There is a need for organ donors across the country, according to Donate Life, there are 100,000 patients waiting for a transplant in the United States.

“I would really like to show them [the family], that we are taking care of this heart, and you can see what organ donation does to a family, it’s been remarkable," said Lindstrom.

Dr. Takushi Kohmoto was one of the doctors assisting with Derek’s heart transplant, he says organ donation is a selfless act.

“It is absolutely a precious gift from the donor and the donor family and without donation no organ transplant can happen so it’s really important," said Dr. Kohmoto.

According to Donate Life, more than 1,400 people in Wisconsin need an organ transplant.

“Death is irreversible, but I think this is a process that can still impact many other patience and their families,” said Dr. Kohmoto.

Dr. Kohmoto said if you’re considering becoming an organ donor, remember to check the box the next time you renew your driver's license.

Click here to learn more about Donate Life.