Central IL mom encourages organ donations through son’s story

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — One Central Illinois mom is encouraging organ donor registration as Carle Health is raising awareness through the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network.

There are over 100,000 people on the donation waiting list, with a new person being added every 10 minutes. After the death of Melissa Bornder’s son, Elijah, his kidneys were donated to two people.

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“It’s an honor to know that someone out there has been helped by my son, and that he does live on,” Bornder said. “I have yet to meet our recipients, but I think that someday I would love to, and I would love to share the story of Elijah with them, also.”

If you or someone you know would like to register as a organ donor, you can visit giftofhope.org.

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