Governor Proclaims National Donor Sabbath 2021

WHEREAS, National Donor Sabbath is observed annually two weekends before Thanksgiving, from Friday through Sunday, which seeks to include the days of worship for all major religions practiced in the United States; and

WHEREAS, National Donor Sabbath is observed by faith leaders from many religions, donor families, transplant recipients, and donation and transplantation professionals who participate in services and programs to educate the public about the need for the lifesaving and healing gifts passed to others through donation and transplantation; and

WHEREAS, National Donor Sabbath is celebrated to encourage people to register their decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor; and

WHEREAS, more than 117,000 people are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant in the United States today, including over 3,500 North Carolinians; and

WHEREAS, all major religions support donation as a final act of compassion and generosity; and

WHEREAS, registering a decision to be a donor can save up to eight lives, restore sight to two people and heal more than 75 people;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November 12-14, 2021, as “NATIONAL DONOR SABBATH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.