The resolution introduced on February 13, 2025, designates February 14, 2025, as National Organ Donor Day in the State of West Virginia. This day is intended to honor and celebrate the contributions of organ, tissue, and cornea donors who save and heal lives. The resolution specifically commemorates the memory of Seilah Andrea Stanley, a two-year-old girl who tragically passed away in June 2024. Her parents made the selfless decision to donate her organs, which ultimately saved the lives of two children and one adult, highlighting the profound impact of organ donation.
Additionally, the resolution acknowledges the significant achievements of the Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE), which serves as the Organ Procurement Organization for most of West Virginia. In 2024, CORE experienced a record-breaking year in organ, tissue, and cornea donations, with a 33 percent increase in donors. The resolution emphasizes the urgent need for organ donors, as over 100,000 individuals in the U.S., including 500 in West Virginia, are currently awaiting life-saving transplants. It encourages residents to register as donors through various means, including online platforms and local DMV offices, to help address the critical shortage of available organs.