By Katherine Miller

STAFF WRITER

LAFAYETTE – Suzanna Morton, Acadiana area community educator for the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, or LOPA, is extremely enthusiastic about upcoming events of her organization. “We are gearing up for the new school year, as each year we visit area schools to educate them about organ and tissue donation,” explained Morton.

Morton also stated that over the past year, the organization has met its goal of increasing donor registry by 10 percent, and are in the process of setting an even higher goal.

“We really appreciate all of our donors, as they have helped us to be successful in reaching and even surpassing our goals,” added Morton.

On Thursday, August 20, LOPA will host their 2009 Clergy Prayer Luncheon: A Gathering of Faiths. The luncheon will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church, 101 Live Oak Blvd. in Lafayette.

Morton indicated that this luncheon is a great opportunity for clergy members to hear stories shared by donor families and recipients about how donation has touched and changed their lives. Attendees will also be provided with informational materials to utilized with their congregation and religious groups.

This luncheon, as stated by Morton, is in preparation for LOPA’s National Donor Sabbath Day held annually in November. This day is one of recognition and education for many, that organ and tissue donation is part of one’s spiritual journey, as LOPA joins with communities of faith throughout the nation whose lives have been touched by organ or tissue donation.

“We are hosting this event in preparation for National Donor Sabbath, which is an annual event held in the month of November,” Morton stated. “We invite all area clergymen to attend.”

Ministers are, for many families, the first person they turn to for guidance when faced with the decision regarding organ donation of a loved one. Clergy members play an important role in aiding families to understand the life saving virtues of donation, and in turn, those awaiting organ transplants are given the gift of life.

If you have any questions or are interested in attending the Clergy Prayer Luncheon- A Gathering of Faiths, contact Suzanna Morton by calling 269-7044, or by email at smorton@lopa.org.