They want your body ... parts that is

WESTFALL - You may soon meet a young woman who will express an interest in your organs. There are four of them, actually, members of the Health Occupations class at Delaware Valley High School: Katie Sladicka, Tricia Station, Heather Titus and Rachel Pierson. They decided it might be a good idea to let people know they will be conducting a pledge drive to enroll donors for the Organ and Tissue Donor Registry. Their teacher, Sue Briggs, said the donor drive is associated with the New York University Hospital in Manhattan, which manages the registry in the region. Their drive will also be entered in a state-wide health occupation students’ competition. Some people may have problems dealing with issues about their mortality, but for practical reasons, Pierson believes it’s a good idea. “You should donate,” said Pierson who wants to become a veterinarian. “All they’re (organs) going to do is rot if you don’t.” Three of the four plan health-related careers. “We want to let everyone know that there is a shortage of organs,” said Sladicka, who has not made up her mind. According to the registry, nationwide, more than 89,000 people are waiting for organ transplants, yet in 2004, only about 27,000 received transplants. More than 6,000 people died in America waiting for organ transplants that same year. Along with those waiting, people who have benefited from the registry can be found in almost every community.“ One of my mom’s friends had a heart transplant and it saved his life,” Pierson said. The competition will end within the school year but the women say they will continue the drive throughout the year. They will be looking for people over 18 at school, at public functions and around the community. Find out more about donating at www.med.nyu.edu/about/help/donateorgan.html or by calling Sue Briggs at 570-296-1850 ext. 7027.