Organ and tissue registry

Each day, 18 people across the country die as they wait for an organ transplant. Good evening, I'...  More »

Each day, 18 people across the country die as they wait for an organ transplant. Good evening, I'm Lauren Kalberer, and I'm Tom Gerhardt... In an effort to save lives, the state of North Dakota is expanding the way people resigster for organ and tissue donations. Reporter Kate Schell has more. Alexa Kersting was just 14 when she lost her life-a life that could've been spared had she received a lung transplant. (Monica Kersting/Alexa's Mother) "Its hard to believe that you can be number one of the list in our region and die awaiting a transplant." Alexa died 5 years ago. Today, the North Dakota Department of Transportation unveiled a new online organ and tissue donor registry in her honor. The hope is that it will provide additional opportunities for people wishing to donate. (Susan Gunderson/CEO LifeSource) "Our goal is to encourage every North Dakotan, indeed, every American to make a decision about donation so that no other family has to lose their loved one for the lack of an organ transplant." At the national level, 40 percent of drivers are registered donors. North Dakota has one of the highest donor designation rates in the country, with 64-percent of licensed drivers and ID card holders registered as organ and tissue donors. (Mikey Hoeven/First Lady)"The high rate of donor designation in North Dakota is a true testament to our citizens generousity and our committment to creating strong, healthy communities." And it's that generosity that gives Alexa's family confidence that North Dakota will soon be the leader in organ donations... (Loren Kersting/Alexa's Father) "So I hope that we can be the number one state in the nation when it comes to consent donors. That is my challenge to the state of North Dakota and I absolutely, positively, deep down in my heart with Alexa standing at my side know that we are going to get there. So, I challenege the state of North Dakota to become number one in saving lives, it will happen." One donor can save up to sixty lives through organ donation. With KX News, Im Kate Schell You can register to become an organ and tissue donor at donate-life-N-D-dot-org. You can also continue to register as a donor at the Department of Transportation.  « Less