When families decide to give life • 37 organ transplants were performed during the month of October

(haipo) Behind the 37 organ transplants performed in Israel in October are 12 families who, in their most difficult time, chose with great courage to say yes to organ donation and give many patients a chance at a new life. Among the transplants: two heart transplants, seven lung transplants, 11 liver transplants and 17 kidney transplants.

October ended with encouraging data on organ donations and transplants in Israel. During the month, 12 families agreed to donate the organs of their deceased loved ones, and thanks to their decision, the lives of 37 patients were saved, who were given another chance at life through organ transplants.

According to data from the National Transplant Center, of the 12 organ donations received during the month, three were received at Ichilov Hospital, two at Rambam Hospital and two at Shaare Zedek Hospital. One donation was received at each of the hospitals: Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya, Soroka, Beilinson, Meir and Shamir.

The transplants were performed at Hadassah, Sheba, Beilinson, Schneider, and Ichilov hospitals. And Rambam, giving patients a chance to move on with their lives after a period of waiting and uncertainty.

Distribution of transplants during the month of October:

• 2 heart transplants.
• 7 lung transplants.
• 11 liver transplants, one of which was performed at Rambam Hospital.
• 17 kidney transplants.

In addition, during the month, Israel received a liver donation from Cyprus, as part of the ongoing cooperation between Israel and Cyprus in the field of organ donations, a cooperation that allows for expanding transplantation options and saving lives.

Behind the data and numbers stand moving human stories. 12 families who were forced to deal with the loss of their loved ones, and amidst the pain and bereavement chose to give others the greatest gift, the opportunity to live. Their decision turned the loss into an act of giving and hope for dozens of patients and their families.

Dr. Tamar Ashkenazi, Director of the National Transplant Center, referred to the month's data and said: "The month of October was characterized by the public's willingness to say yes to organ donation and saving lives. The transplant coordinators, who accompany the families, see their pain, support them and adapt the responses to the unique needs of each family.

"And yet, a family's request to donate organs and save a life always moves even the most veteran and experienced transplant coordinator. There is no more moving feeling."

The October figures illustrate once again the power of mutual support and the immense significance of organ donation. For 37 transplant recipients and their families, the decision of 12 families became a priceless gift, the gift of life.