NY Legislator Champions Living Organ Donation Inspired by Wife’s Life-Saving Gift

In a heartfelt initiative inspired by his wife, Becky, New York State Assemblyman Brian Maher is poised to introduce groundbreaking legislation in January aimed at incentivizing living organ donations.

This move seeks to address a significant gap in the healthcare system, where the demand for organ transplants far exceeds supply. Maher’s proposal is set to make waves not onliy in legislative discussions but also in the lives of those who are desperately awaiting transplants.

When Maher presents his proposal to the New York State Assembly floor, he plans to share the compelling story of Becky’s recent act of altruism: her courageous decision to donate one of her kidneys to a former teacher and beloved softball coach, Sandy Strauss. Becky’s decision was influenced by her own personal experience of losing her step-father seven years ago while he was awaiting a lung transplant.

This personal narrative of sacrifice and love serves as a powerful testament to the impact of living organ donation. At 74 years old, Strauss was enduring the challenges of dialysis, a grueling process that significantly limited his quality of life. The kidney transplant he received not only saved his life but also restored hope for a future filled with cherished moments with his family.

With a career spanning 40 years, Strauss made a lasting impact as an educator, coaching various sports and earning recognition for his leadership as the varsity softball coach in the Hudson Valley of New York.

The need for organ donations has reached critical levels in the United States, where currently over 90,000 Americans are waiting for a kidney transplant. Alarmingly, twelve individuals die each day due to the shortage of available organs, and statistics show that someone is added to the transplant list every 8-10 minutes. These staggering figures highlight the urgency of Maher’s proposed legislation, which aims to not only increase awareness but also create tangible incentives for potential donors.

For those interested in learning more about becoming a living kidney donor, additional information can be found at www.kidneyregistry.com/.

Maher’s initiative seeks to shine a light on the critical need for donations and to encourage a community of support for both potential donors and recipients. Through this legislation, he aims to honor the spirit of generosity and compassion exemplified by his wife, Becky, and bring hope to countless families facing the challenges of organ shortages.