He's waiting for a heart

Sea Coast OnLine | Suzanne Laurent
Andy Blacksmith, co-host of "The Morning Buzz" on WHEB in Portsmouth and several other affiliates in the state, is waiting for a heart transpant after losing function on the left side of his heart, possibly from a viral infection four years ago. Suzanne Laurent photo
WHEB's Blacksmith knows firsthand the importance of organ donations
PORTSMOUTH â€" Local morning radio personality Andy Blacksmith needs a new heart.

He has just returned to the airwaves after his eighth hospital admission for heart failure. Blacksmith is the co-host of "The Morning Buzz," that airs on WHEB in Portsmouth, WGIR (Rock 101) in Dover, and several other affiliates in the state.

Because he needs a donor heart, Blacksmith is very vocal about people who wish to be organ donors.

"They need to realize, it's not just checking the box on your license," he said. "They need to tell the person who will be responsible when they die â€" their spouse, parents or other designated person. They need to make their wishes known."

Blacksmith said this is especially important for older teens and young adults.

"They have healthy young organs," he said. "But, if they die suddenly, their parents are in shock and even though they checked the box on their license, the parents may refuse to sign the papers for organ donation."
______________________________________________________ 
"You have the power to SAVE lives." 
To register as a donor TODAY
In California: 
www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org | www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org 
Outside California: 
www.organdonor.gov | www.donatelife.net

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