National Donor Sabbath is observed annually, two weekends before Thanksgiving, from Friday through Sunday. This year, National Donor Sabbath is Nov. 11-13.

This three-day observance seeks to include the days of worship for major religions practiced in the United States. During National Donor Sabbath, faith leaders from many religions, with donor families, transplant recipients, and donation and transplantation professionals, participate in services and programs to educate the public about the need for donation and the importance of registeringone’s decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor.

“Research has shown that one of the main reasons people hesitate to register is the belief that it is against their religion, but our churches here in Winchester do a great job of working with Trust For Life to get out the word that organ donation can be an act of faith,” Clark Circuit Clerk Paula Joslin said.

According to Donate Life America, all major religions in the U.S. support donation and believe it to be the ultimate act of love and generosity. For many people, faith plays an important role in the decision to register as a donor or consider living donation. With almost 120,000 men, women and children on the national transplant waiting list, registering to be a donor can provide hope to those desperately waiting for the gift of life.

Alison Mohn lost her son Ryan in a car crash. She has shared that, “so much good has come out of this tragedy. I believe that God works for all things good, and I see it. Just knowing that Ryan lives on through other people is comforting.” Ryan was able to save and heal the lives of more than 50 people through organ and tissue donation. Alison tells her story in her church and community, sharing the lifesaving benefits of donation and the pride that she has knowing that her son’s legacy is one of selflessness.

To register as a donor, please visit RegsiterMe.org or https://donatelifeky.org/. For more information about National Donor Sabbath, please visit www.donatelife.net/nds, TrustForLife.org, Clark County Circuit Court Clerk’s Trust For Life on Facebook or call 859-737-7141.