AUGUSTA, Maine — To kick off the month of April, state leaders are recognizing National Donate Life Month by highlighting how being an organ donor can impact other Mainers.
In a press conference Wednesday, Charlene Slaver-Roosevelt shared the story of her son, Joey, who died in 2016. A few years before his death, she explained what becoming an organ donor was when he was first becoming a new driver on the road.
Slaver-Roosevelt described Joey as an old soul and a humble giver who was often lending an ear or attention to those who needed a friend. It was when she realized he listed himself as an organ donor that she knew how much of a giver he was.
"I think that it’s important that people start having this conversation," Slaver-Roosevelt said. "That night, having to deal with everything you have to deal with, that was something Joey had given me peace about because he had already made that decision."
According to state leaders, 700,000 Mainers are currently listed on the Maine donor list.
"That compassion and commitment to helping others in need is at the heart of our state," Gov. Janet Mills said, who revealed that she is also one of the Mainers on the donor list.
New England Donor Services spokesperson and Director of Government Relations Matt Boger says often times there are some hesitations for joining the organ donor list, like being too old to register. However, he says, most are misconceptions.
"When you are 60, 70, 80, 90 years old, there could be the opportunity for you to help save a life," Boger said.
To help educate others about the program, speakers say more drivers education classes in Maine are bringing up the conversation about registering to new drivers. As well, anyone registering or renewing a drivers license or state ID in Maine can register for the organ donor list at any of Maine’s Bureau of Motor Vehicle locations.
"Just last month, in the month of March, we saw 15,174 Mainers say yes when renewing or getting their license for the first time," Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said.
Folks like Mike Snow of Monmouth, who is looking for a live kidney donation himself, says he has seen firsthand how difficult finding a match can be and what the power of awareness can bring. For people like him, the National Donate Life Living Donor Registry was launched in 2022.
"Our efforts by trying to get the word out, by posters and Facebook and media… that hasn't gone unnoticed," Snow said. "I think it’s a great thing. I think more people that sign up and are willing to do it... it's wonderful."