John Joseph Moakley: “2 years ago, 2 years and 2 months ago today, I was told that I had 2 months to live. Fortunately on July 10, 1995, 2…”

“2 years ago, 2 years and 2 months ago today, I was told that I had 2 months to live. Fortunately on July 10, 1995, 2 years ago today, I underwent a successful liver transplant that saved my life. I was extremely lucky and fortunate that someone out there thought enough to give me the gift of life and donated their organs. I have spoken on the floor many times about the importance of organ donation, but often people just do not think about organ donation until they are faced with a friend or a loved one that desperately needs a transplant, and I am no exception. Mr. Speaker, today in the United States there are over 50,000 people waiting for an organ. Eight people a day will die because there just are not enough organs to go around, and that is why it is so critical that people are educated and made aware of the importance of organ donations and the second chance that it gives thousands of people every year. Mr. Speaker, 2 years ago I received the gift of life, so please talk to the family, the loved ones, and give someone else the miracle, the gift of life, and become an organ donor.”