There are currently 2,000 people in Missouri and 1,000 Kansas awaiting a life-saving transplant. Nationwide, more than 83,000 men, women and children currently await life saving/enhancing transplants. Every 13 minutes another name is added to the national waiting list. That is 103 people in one 24-hour period (37, 595 every year). An average of 17 people per day (or 6,205 per year) dies due to a lack of available organs for transplant.

Transplantation is one of the most remarkable success stories in medicine. People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors. The key to donating life is to share your decision to donate with your family. While it is still important to sign a donor card or indicate your wishes on your driver's license, your family is always consulted before donation can take place. Tell your family you want to request an information kit to learn more.

Back row: Kandra Voshage, Sharon Vick and Shelia Langlotz. Front row: Juni Muhota, Christina Vollrath, Catherine Ashbaugh, Mark Wakefield and Lori Kramer.