April is one of the best times of the year to stargaze. So, this National Donate Life Month (NDLM), we invite you to look up to the night sky, gaze at the billions of stars that make up the universe and be inspired. Because even in the darkest night, there is light.

When someone decides to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, they give hope and light to the thousands of people on the national transplant list who are waiting for a second chance at life. That’s why donors are superstars.

During this month-long celebration, you can take part in several events and activities designed to honor those who have saved lives through the gift of organ donation. We also encourage everyone to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Here are some reasons why registering right now is more important than ever:

• Of the 100,000 U.S residents waiting for a lifesaving transplant, 2,400 live right here in Virginia.
• 17 people die each day because the organ they need is not donated in time.
• Another person is added to the waiting list every 9 minutes.
• Only 55% of Virginians have signed up to be organ, eye and tissue donors.
• One organ donor can save and heal more than 75 lives.

If you haven’t already, please update your donor registration. It takes less than a minute, gives hope to those who are waiting and builds stronger communities here in Virginia. And that makes us feel out of this world!