WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Mark Walker (NC-06) introduced legislation supporting the designation of April as national organ donor awareness month.

“Raising awareness of organ donation efforts at the federal level is a small, but significant, step towards expanding the lifesaving possibilities of organ donation and transplants,” said Walker.  “In the 6th District, we have all seen the pain and loss resulting from a lack of transplant participation. The example of Duffy Collins, a 28-year Alamance County resident who died in 2005 because he could not get a kidney transplant, shows why raising awareness is so vitally important.”

Similar legislation was signed by Governor McCrory in 2013, designating April as Organ Donation Awareness/Donate Life month in North Carolina.  Representative Walker’s efforts, and those at the state level, were the result of strong and consistent advocacy by Mary Jo and Bruce Collins, the parents of Duffy Collins.

“It is a testament to the love of parents and the Collins family that they have taken a tragedy and worked tirelessly to create a legacy for their son,” said Walker.

Duffy Collins mother, Mary Jo added, “Designating April to raise awareness about organ donation could help save thousands of precious lives and spare families the tragedy we experienced. This legislation highlights the national importance of organ donation and is our way of keeping the memory of Duffy alive,” said Mary Jo Collins.

More than 116,000 people are waiting for organ transplants, and an average of 18 people awaiting transplants die each day due to the severe shortage of donated organs. One organ donor can save the lives of up to 8 people.

More information about the Collins and organ donation can be found at the Duffy Collins Organ Transplant Foundation website.

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