130 Organ Donors Sign Up at KFOX's 'Donate Life' Drive

In a first of its kind event, KFOX TV launched the "Donate Life" organ donor registration drive at Bassett Place over the weekend, signing up a record 130 people to be placed on the Texas Organ Donor Registration rolls.

KFOX event organizer Karlee Steele, who helped register participants said the turnout was better than expected. "Typically events as this are somewhat ignored, people don’t want to be bothered while at the mall and certainly don’t want to have the conversation about organ donation. However, we were proved wrong," Steele said.

"Donate Life" is an online registration that allows participants to sign up as organ donors in three clicks or about 60 seconds. Pam Silvestri of the Southwest Transplant Alliance said many people think they are already organ donors from signing their driver's license years ago. "That's not the case and those who want to be an organ donor have to re-register," Silvestri said.

KFOX TV is helping educate the public about the registration as well as the importance of organ transplants. At any given time, there are approximately 100 El Pasoans in need of an organ transplant. "It can be excruciating for those who are waiting," Silvestri said. "But as more people become aware of the need and sign up, the less time people will have to wait for someone to save their lives."

The KFOX team was set up outside of Premiere Theatres Saturday and offered a free movie ticket to those who completed their registration. Live cut-ins were broadcast through the afternoon. Those efforts, Steele said, encouraged participants to hold serious talks about the need for organ donors in the El Paso area.

"We had kids signing up with their parents and they were talking about what they wanted in case they died," Steele said. "We could hear them at the table. It was just incredible because you just don't know if these talks would have taken place otherwise."

In the state of Texas, El Paso County is the second largest county of registered organ donors behind Tarrant County (Ft. Worth). Steele said the ultimate goal is to become number one. "With the dedication, efforts and enthusiasm as this team has there are no doubts that will only come with time," Steele said.

If you would like more information about organ donation, click here.