By Jenise Solorio, Project Coordinator

April is National Donate Life Month and each August 1 National Minority Donor Awareness Day is celebrated. These dates are a time to reflect on one of our most precious gifts - the gift of life. Nothing is simpler than pledging to be an organ donor - and nothing more important. Thousands wait for the gift of life.

In collaboration with OneLegacy, Cassie's Friends and United Organ Transplant Association, Live & Then Give saluted National Donate Life Month and National Minority Donor Awareness Day on April 27th and August 1st at the Epicenter, Home of Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Baseball Team, and the San Bernardino Arrowhead Head Credit Union Park, Home of the Inland Empire 66ers Baseball Team, respectively.

Over 3,000 cards were distributed at the April 27th event and almost 7,000 cards were given out at the August 1st event. Everyone entering the stadium was given an organ donor card and a booth was set up where questions about organ and tissue donations could be answered. Balloons and other promotional items were also handed out.

Live and Then Give is an organ donor awareness program sponsored by San Bernardino County Medical Society, Inland Wellness Information Network, and Riverside County Medical Association. Our collaborative partners include OneLegacy, Cassie's Friends and United Organ Transplant Association. Our goal is to reach people in the community to raise awareness of the importance of committing to become a donor and informing your family of your wishes.