PORT ST. LUCIE — On April 5, 35 donor families through Legacy Donor Services Foundation were honored during the 4th Annual Make the Save, Save a Life game at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie.

The event, part of the St. Lucie Mets/Jupiter Hammerheads game, was designed to raise awareness of National Donate Life Month to accent the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.

With over 100,000 individuals currently on the national transplant waiting list, there are more than 5,000 of whom are Florida residents, according to foundation officials.

It is estimated that one donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation, restore sight to two individuals, and help 75 more heal through tissue donation.

Prior to the game, a Donate Life flag was ceremoniously raised outside the stadium. An on-field ceremony followed, where the St. Lucie Mets and Legacy Donor Services honored donor families with a message and displayed images of their loved ones on the jumbotron.

Casana Fink, Miss Florida, an advocate for organ donation following her father’s liver transplant, was given the honor of throwing the first pitch.

The St. Lucie Mets wore special jerseys to promote awareness and raise funds, with proceeds from an auction supporting educational scholarships for students facing financial hardship due to the loss of a family member who was a donor. The auction closed April 8.

During the seventh inning stretch, donor family members participated in a T-shirt and beach ball toss, joined by Diego, the Legacy superhero representing “donor heroes.”

St. Lucie Mets won the game that night, 6-5, against visiting team, Jupiter Hammerheads.

For more information about donation and to register, go to www.donatelifeflorida.org.

View Article