Governor Tony Evers hosted the annual Gift of Life Ceremony on Aug. 18 at the executive residence in Madison.

More 4 300 people representing over 70 donors attended the ceremony on a sunny Friday morning. Evers said during an emotional speech that he hopes the ceremony will help families through such a difficult time and give them some peace knowing their loved ones have given the gift of life to others.

Each donor name was announced while the families stood for a few moments of silence in a respectful and meaningful ceremony.

Organ and tissue donation makes an important impact on the lives of the recipients receiving such life-changing gifts. Up to eight people can be helped through organ donation, while over 75 people’s lives can be enhanced by tissue donation. One donor can also help restore sight for two people.

To meet such a critical need in the country, it is important to sign up for the donor registry when receiving or renewing a driver’s license at the DMV, renewing a hunting, fishing, or trapping license at the DNR, or online at health.wisconsin.gov/donorRegistry/public/donate.html and then talk to your family about your decision.