HARRISBURG – Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27) and Rep. Zachary Mako (R-183), both organ transplant recipients, joined the Gift of Life Donor Program, donor families, transplant recipients and members of the General Assembly Monday for the Steps for Life Advocacy Walk at the state Capitol.
The event began with remarks in the Main Capitol Rotunda followed by a walk around the Capitol grounds to raise awareness about organ donation and encourage Pennsylvanians to register as organ donors.
“Organ donation is deeply personal to me because a living donor saved my life,” Culver said. “I was fortunate to have someone in my own family who was a match and willing to make that sacrifice. That gift is why I am still here today, able to be with my family, serve my community and do the work I do. Today’s walk is an opportunity to recognize donors and donor families, support transplant recipients and remind people just how much one decision can change another person’s life.”
Mako, who is also an organ transplant recipient, spoke about the donor family whose decision gave him another chance at life.
“I wouldn’t be standing here today without the gift I received, and without a family who, in the middle of their own grief, made the choice to give someone else a second chance,” Mako said. “That decision gave me my life back. I’m able to continue serving in the National Guard, travel and stay active in ways I never take for granted. Every year, this walk reminds me why we can’t let that momentum stop, and I want every Pennsylvanian on the waiting list to have the chance I had. That starts with more people registering as organ donors.”
According to the Gift of Life Donor Program, more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Participants also heard from a donor family and a transplant recipient about how organ donation changed their lives.
Culver and Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-38) have also partnered on Senate Bill 124, bipartisan legislation that would allow living organ donors to deduct up to $10,000 in unreimbursed expenses associated with donation, including travel, lodging, lost wages and medical expenses.
“Representative Mako and I both know personally what the gift of organ donation can mean, not just for a recipient, but for their entire family,” Culver said. “I hope sharing our stories encourages more people to have conversations about donation and consider registering as an organ donor.”
Information about organ donation and donor registration is available through the Gift of Life Donor Program.