Several hundred members of organ donor families were greeted in the Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, Nov. 16 and the Zembo Temple, Harrisburg on Dec. 2. R.W. Grand Master Edward O. Weisser hosted the Phladelphia meeting and in a moving welcome, compared a fallen autumn leaf to an organ donor. He said, "As a leaf falls from the tree, a living bud remains to give new life. In like manner, an organ donor gives new life to the recipients of his organs or tissues."

The third annual Donor Appreciation Program was held to honor those donor families who made the decision to donate organs or tissues during the past year. Each family was presented with the "Gift of Life" donor medal and a yellow rose. The events were coordinated by the Delaware Valley Transplant Program.

The Grand Lodge continues to encourage all members and their families to become organ donors. For information or donor cards, contact the Masonic Blood and Organ Donor Program through the Masonic Education Office at the Masonic Temple,Philadelphia. Phone:1-800-462-0430, menu choice 5.

For a related story on the poster contest for the Blood and Organ Donor Program see the PA Youth Foundation page or click here