ACADIANA CELEBRATES NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH

Lafayette General Medical Center receives prestigious award for their efforts in giving the gift of sight

 On April 2  at 10am, LOPA (Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency), Southern Eye Bank (SEB�) and Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC) honored local heroes who have given life and sight through organ, tissue and cornea donation.  LGMC was presented with SEB's 2011 Hospital of the Year Award for their success in giving the gift of sight.  In 2011, LGMC had 63 cornea donors who gave sight to 95 individuals in need of cornea transplants. SEB serves 25 parishes and partners with 124 hospitals to facilitate sharing the gift of sight.  The ceremony took place at LGMC's Main Entrance, 1214 Coolidge Street.

Yvonne Cormier, mom of donor Matt Cormier, and her family, along with Christy Callens, a cornea recipient, celebrated their heroes as they share their stories of life, loss and hope. Together, with David L. Callecod, LGMC President & CEO, FACHE, the families raised the Donate Life flag in honor of Acadiana's organ and tissue donors, transplant recipients and their families. "Lafayette General Medical Center is honored to fly this flag in support of National Donate Life Month,"states Callecod. "Over the years, countless lives have been saved thanks to organ donation. I can't stress how important being an organ, tissue and eye donor is, and how vital it is to Lafayette General's mission to restore, maintain and improve health.�"

We invite you to join us as we kick off National Donate Life Month honoring our hometown heroes who have given the ultimate gift, the gift of life.