By Erik Morganroth

Published originally by Detroit News

Organ donations save lives. I’m living proof of that.

With two successful heart transplants in my past, I know the power of second — and even third — chances. Years ago, people I never met gave me the ultimate gift; ongoing life and hope for the future.

Sadly, when my heart donors reached the end of their stories, I began new chapters in mine.

Mere words fail in adequately expressing how eternally grateful I am to these strangers and their loved ones. Their decision to be organ donors makes them heroes and rarely does a day pass when I don’t reflect on my good fortune.

And while I’m one of the lucky ones, there remain large numbers of people waiting for vital organs that will help return them to health. In Michigan alone, more than 2,400 individuals are waiting for lifesaving transplants. Nationwide, the number of transplant candidates is more than 103,000. Kidney patients top the list at 88,907, followed by liver (10,090) and heart (3,363), according to the Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network.

Although demand remains heartbreakingly high, there is some good news when it comes to organ donation. Nationally, the number of transplants is increasing, with more than 42,800 performed in 2022 — a new annual record. Here in Michigan, organ donations continue trending upward as well, with a record 500 reported through November.

Michigan residents can also now register as organ donors on their state income tax return. Ours is the first state in the nation with such a law. Another new state law prohibits insurance discrimination against living organ donors while other legislation was recently proposed to mandate organ donation education for public school ninth-graders statewide. Twenty-four other states already have such education requirements.All of these are steps in the right direction and have the potential to raise organ-donor registration, which is experiencing decreased growth.

Gift of Life Michigan says the Donor Registry is now moving at its slowest pace since its inception in 1994. The slowdown can be traced to the COVID pandemic, which closed Secretary of State offices and moved more driver’s license renewals online.

My experience living with a heart I was not born with tells me people want to help others when possible. And though it’s not a pleasant thought to dwell on, willingness to donate organs at the end of life is perhaps the kindest and most generous act a human being can perform.I ask everyone to check their driver’s license or state ID to see if you are on the donor registry. Look for the word “donor” in red next to a small heart. If you’re not already an organ donor, registering is as easy as visiting Michigan.gov/sos.You also can boost the organ donation cause by supporting Gift of Life Michigan .My life continues because of organ donation. You or a loved one might benefit one day, too. Please keep the donor ranks going strong.

Erik Morganroth is a Birmingham resident and business owner.

He had heart transplants in 1995 and 2007.