In recognition and celebration of National Donate Life Month, representatives from Share your Spare, Fond du Lac gathered Monday morning to raise a Donate Life flag from the Marian University Smith Fields Complex flag pole.

The event, held at 10:08 a.m., was part of the statewide Donate Life Wisconsin campaign “Pause to Give Life,” which used the specific time to serve as a reminder that one person can save eight lives through organ and tissue donation.

“This morning we are honored to be recognizing the importance of organ donation,” said Kate Candee, Marian’s Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students. “In challenging times like these, the example of true generosity through ‘sharing your spare’ is uplifting and reinforcing of the sheer goodness of human nature.”

The Donate Life flag, introduced in 2006, has become a national symbol of unity, remembrance, and hope while honoring those touched by donation and transplantation. The flag raising was followed by a moment of silence for one minute, 13 seconds to recognize the nearly 113,000 patients waiting for a life-saving transplant in the US.

“It was wonderful being able to share this special moment at Marian, a place that has brought together several donors,” said Paul Osterholm, himself a Marian graduate, organ donor and founder of Share your Spare, Fond du Lac. “I’m thankful for the amazing opportunity to heighten awareness for organ donation, and for the community we are a part of here. It was really special. That corner, seeing that flag flying, it was beautiful.”

Pictured: Representatives from Share your Spare, Fond du Lac gathered Monday morning to raise a Donate Life flag from the Marian University Smith Fields Complex flag pole, in recognition and celebration of National Donate Life Month.

Donate LifeDonate Life Flag