The holiday season is a time of giving and granting wishes. Some wish for a meaningful family gathering, while a child may wish for a favorite toy or game. For over 1000 Kentucky children and adults, their wish is to receive the gift of life through the miracle of organ donation and transplantation. 

“Everyone can join the Organ Donor Registry,” explains Martin Circuit Clerk Denise Gauze. “Registering and supporting the mission of organ donation means so much to thousands of families on the waiting list today. Joining the Registry is saying, ‘If I could help someone when I’m gone, I’m willing to save a life.’” 

The Circuit Court Clerks of Kentucky have worked to increase education about organ donation since 1992. The Circuit Clerks work with nonprofits like Kosair Charities and Trust For Life to help kids like Brynn.

Brynn is from Scott County and received a heart transplant in 2021.

Brynn and two of her four sisters suffer from a heart disease that often requires a lifesaving heart transplant. The medical advancement of transplantation is only possible because of donors and their families. 

“Many people assume there are medical or age limitations to joining the Donor Registry, but that’s inaccurate. Everyone can register as a donor; there are no age or medical limits to joining,” explains Gauze. “Some assume you must wait to get your driver’s license to register, but that is not true either. Everyone can go online today to www.registerme.org and register their wish to be the miracle to another person once they no longer need their organs.

“During the holidays, many of us wish to give back but struggle to find the time and means to do so.”

There is something everyone can do year-round that costs nothing, takes less than a minute, and helps those in need. Joining the Organ Donor Registry gives hope to thousands of children, adults and their families, like Brynn.

“As your circuit court clerk, I am proud to be part of a mission that makes miracles possible,” says Gauze.