Carlucci Proposes Law to Increase Organ Donations

Two years ago, 10-year-old Lauren Shield's life was saved because of an organ donor. The Stony Point girl was the recipient of a new heart.

Now, Sen. David Carlucci (D-Orangetown) is championing Lauren's Law, a piece of legislation named for young Shields that aims to increase the number of organ donors in New York State.

"I can't stress enough how absolutely critical it is that we find a solution to the low donor enrollment we face here in New York," Carlucci said Sunday, speaking about the proposed law at . "Everyday, lives are lost because donor organs are not available."

Lauren's Law seeks to revamp the way New Yorkers register as organ donors when filling out their drivers license application. Currently, there is a non-mandatory organ donation section on the application; Carlucci wants to make the section mandatory. If passed, Lauren's Law would require New Yorkers to either select "yes" or "not at this time" on the donation form.

Also present at Sunday's conference was Assemblymen Felix Ortiz (D-Brooklyn), a major advocate of Lauren's Law. Ortiz's mother was the recipient of a kidney transplant, and his son's life was saved through the use of a pacemaker. Ortiz was also the driving force behind a law that awards tax deductions for organ donors.

Shields spoke at Sunday's conference, too, and took the podium—flanked by her mother, Jeanne, and Sen. Carlucci—to share her story.

"I am so thankful for the gift I received," Shields said. "But I know that there are so many other children and adults that are waiting just like I was. As happy as I am to get back to my regular routine, I can't help but think about others that still wait."

"I hope that by saying my story, people don't think about this as just checking a box on a form," she added. "There are real people with real stories like me who are waiting to be saved."

"This is a great leap forward, but it doesn't stop here," Carlucci finished. "This bill is a realistic bill that we believe with your advocacy will pass... and we will see a dramatic increase in organ donation."

Like Nyack Patch on Facebook. Follow Nyack Patch on Twitter.