UPMC Altoona says 11 organ donors from the hospital saved 46 lives last year, and in addition,  dramatically improved the lives of more than 1400,  by tissue and cornea donation. To mark the achievements,  donor and recipient families joined officials from the Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE) and the hospital, at a special ceremony, on Tuesday.

 

They watched as Stat Medevac paramedics raised the Donate Life flag and a heard from a local man who received a liver transplant 6 years ago.

 

Jim Green says,  “I feel great . I  feel great. I  feel wonderful. I still go to the Summit I go up there and work out anywhere from 3 to 5 times a week. I  still walk everyday.”

 

CORE says nationally, more than 121,000 people are awaiting an organ transplant. At least 21 will die each day without receiving one.