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  • Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gregoire presents Washington Gift of Life Award

For Immediate Release: April 6, 2011

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today presented the Washington Gift of Life Award to six families whose loved ones donated their organs, giving Washingtonians a second chance at life.

�We are incredibly proud of the families here today,� Gregoire said. �In a moment of tragedy for their loved ones, new hope was given to others. Through the generosity of the donors we recognize today, someone else got a second chance at life.�

More than 100,000 Americans are on the national transplant waiting list. Across Washington, nearly 1,700 individuals are waiting for an organ donation. Last year, 111 Washington residents became donors, saving the lives of 377 people with transplanted organs.

Families recognized today include relatives of:

� Carlos Fernandez of Seattle, who donated his kidneys to two recipients;
� Andrew Bible of Washougal, who donated his kidneys, liver, pancreas, heart and lungs to seven recipients;
� Erick Lopez of Everett, who donated his kidneys, liver and heart to four recipients;
� Charles �Kim� Slaughter of Bremerton, who donated his kidneys to two recipients;
� Cassandra Jones of Deer Park, who donated her kidneys, liver, heart and lungs to five recipients; and
� Alfredo Jeronimo of Malaga, who donated his kidneys, liver and heart valves to three recipients.

Families recognized were identified by LifeCenter Northwest and the Pacific Northwest Transplant Bank, who helped coordinate today�s ceremony.

The Washington Gift of Life Award was created by SB6667 in 1998, and directs the Governor�s Office to annually present the Washington Gift of Life Award to six families or individuals identified in coordination with an organ procurement to represent all those in the state who have donated organs.