SENATE RESOLUTION 5

(By Senator Chapman)

[Introduced February 13, 2025]

Designating February 14, 2025, as National Organ Donor Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, The State of West Virginia recognizes February 14, 2025, as National Donor Day, a day to celebrate those who save and heal lives as organ, tissue, and cornea donors; and

Whereas, The State of West Virginia honors the memory of Seilah Andrea Stanley, a vibrant two-year-old who brought immeasurable joy to her family and community with her playful spirit and loving nature. Following a tragic accident in June 2024, her parents, Logan and Angie Stanley, made the courageous decision to donate her organs, saving the lives of two children and one adult. Seilah’s selfless gift of life serves as a powerful reminder of the impact organ donation can have and ensures that her legacy will continue to inspire and bless others; and

Whereas, The Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE) is the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) serving most of West Virginia; and

Whereas, CORE marked a sixth consecutive record-breaking year in 2024 in organ, tissue, and cornea donation; and

Whereas, In West Virginia, there was a 33 percent increase in total organ, tissue, and cornea donors in 2024; and

Whereas, More than 100,000 individuals in the United States, including 500 West Virginians, are currently awaiting a life-saving organ transplant; and

Whereas, Every 10 minutes, a person is added to the national transplant registry waiting list. On average, 17 people in the United States die each day because the needed organ is not donated in time; and

Whereas, One organ donor can save the lives of eight people and heal 75 others; and

Whereas, West Virginia encourages all residents to register as an organ, tissue, and cornea donor online at donatelifewv.org, at their local West Virginia DMV offices, or on their West Virginia hunting and fishing license application; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 14, 2025, as National Organ Donor Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the family of Seilah Andrea Stanley.