By Jacob Martin, The Exponent Telegram
BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. — For the past four years, Aug. 1 has been observed as West Virginia Donor Day, a state movement that encourages organ donation and education.
The day was chosen to acknowledge the lifesaving potential just one donor can have and to educate the public about how much impact they can have by becoming an organ donor, officials said.
According to donatelifewv.org, West Virginia Donor Day is observed on Aug. 1, (8-1) because that symbolizes how 1 organ donor can potentially save 8 lives.
Tammy Bishoff, mother of organ and tissue donor Brayden Bishoff, shared her family’s story in observance of West Virginia Donor Day.
Brayden Bishoff died on Feb. 14, 2019, after being involved in a car accident, she said.
It was determined that Brayden was brain dead at the hospital, and the family had to make a choice, she said.
Before the accident Brayden Bishoff had just turned 15 and had taken his driver’s learners permit test, she said.
When receiving a learners permit, the recipient has the choice to register as an organ donor and they had the conversation about it then, she said.
“He said, ‘why would I need them if something happens to me?’ His response was straightforward and truthful,” she said.
