'Pink dot' license plate urges organ donation

UT San Diego | Michael Gardner
Members of San Diego-based Donate Life are pushing for a specialized California license plate to help raise money to assist with organ donations and transplants. Former CHP officer and liver transplant recipient Michael McCrerey spoke at the event. Photo by Phil Kampel

SACRAMENTO â€" Retired San Diego California Highway Patrol Officer Michael McCrerey is one of the lucky ones, receiving word that a new liver was available while bedridden at home “waiting to die.”

But another 22,000 Californians on the waiting list may not be so fortunate. Nationally, time runs out for about 18 people everyday.

That’s why McCrerey and San Diego-based Donate Life California were in the Capitol Thursday to help unveil a specialized license plate featuring the iconic pink dot that is now attached to driver’s licenses to identify potential organ and tissue donors.

“We are at a milestone. We are not at the finish line,” said Sharon Ross of San Diego, a Donate Life board member.

Donate Life needs at least 7,500 pledges before the Department of Motor Vehicles will offer the plates for sale. The initial price will be $50 for normal plates; $98 for those who want it personalized. A share of the proceeds will go to promote organ and tissue donation programs.
______________________________________________________ 
"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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