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EMU joins 'Gift of Life' challenge to increase organ donor registry
YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University will once again compete with other Michigan schools in the Gift of Life University Challenge to help increase participation in the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. “As a donor, you have the opportunity to give the most selfless gift of all. One person can save or enhance up to fifty lives!” said Leah Howell, a graduate student from Ypsilanti who is coordinating EMU’s effort. Howell, 31, is one of the program’s success stories. She has received two kidneys because of her participation in the program. “During the 2007 University Challenge, I was overwhelmed by the way this campus came together to support the event. EMU has heart!” said Howell. EMU finished third in the challenge last year with approximately 512 people registering. EMU’s Gift of Life team will be hosting sign-up tables at the Student Center Feb. 14, 18, 20-22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and Feb. 15 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Michigan Department of State will provide a red heart donor sticker, for the front of driver’s licenses or state identification cards, to Michigan residents who sign up on the registry between Jan. 23 and March 3. People without a valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID card can sign up to be donors, but will not receive the sticker. “Gift of Life Michigan is excited to work with energetic, enthusiastic college students throughout the state,” said Tom Beyersdorf, executive director of Gift of Life. Current standings in the Gift of Life University Challenge can be found at www.giftoflifemichigan.org, where visitors can sign up for the registry and credit the school of their choice. A new facet of the University Challenge this year is a Facebook Group, where members can post photos and videos of their campus promotions or leave messages for each other. The link can be found at www.giftoflifemichigan.org. Since the program’s inception in 2004, the University Challenge has resulted in more than 17,000 Michigan residents signing up for the registry. ###
Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their career and lives, and to be better citizens. Editor's Note: Looking for an expert source for a story? Check out EMU's Eastern Experts online at www.emich.edu/univcomm/easternexperts. EMU Home | University Communications Home
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