'Leaving a legacy': Versiti Blood Center in Milwaukee holds flag-raising ceremony for National Donate Life Month

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- In Wisconsin, around 1,400 people are currently waiting for an organ transplant.

Nationwide, that number reaches more than 100,000.

But according to Versiti Blood Center, only about 60% of Americans have either taken the step to register or have discussed donation wishes with loved ones.

That's why on Tuesday afternoon, dozens gathered to kick off National Donate Life Month which happens every April.

"It's a time where we reflect on all of the lives that are lost and the beautiful gift that is organ donation," said Colleen McCarthy, the vice president of organ and tissue donation. “The patients that are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant are desperately waiting and they count on the generosity of strangers."

At 1:08 p.m., the center's "Donate Life" flag was proudly raised -- a reminder that one person can save up to eight lives through donation. 

"We want people to look at this flag and think of the legacy they want to leave," McCarthy said, adding that donor families are the "heart and soul" of Versiti's mission.

Among the ceremony's attendees were members of Daniel Perelman's family -- the 18-year-old who died in a plane crash in Wauwatosa two years ago. 

"To see the Perelman family get to the point they are today and celebrating Daniel the way they are is just truly amazing," McCarthy said. 

Daniel's younger sister, Lola, shared a piece she'd written about her brother, that included honoring the four people his heart, liver, and both kidneys had gone to.

“I really hope that they are living life to their greatest right now, I hope that they keep Daniel in their hearts," Perelman said. 

Despite emotions running high, Perelman added it "felt good" to be a part of the celebrations.

“In a way it shows that everybody is here and heard the story, so it kind of again, continues to help with the healing process after the event," Perelman said.

To honor his memory in the last two years, the family placed a bench on the lakefront, created a "Deeds for Daniel" memorial drive, and launched the "Daniel Gives Back" nonprofit. 

Lola herself was inspired to create a Student Organ Donation Advocates (SODA) chapter at Brookfield East High School as a senior.

"I started it with two of my classmates, one who is my best friend and the other who also has a passion for organ donation," Perelman said. "I think especially at our young age, there's a stigma around organ donation... it's important to educate high schoolers."

So far, the Perelman's nonprofit has helped change the lives of more than 1,700 individuals through their efforts.

"I don't think he would've loved all of this attention around him," Perelman said laughingly. "That's just the type of humble person he was."

To register to become an organ, tissue, and eye donor, click here.