MONTICELLO, NY — Donate Life Day was celebrated at the Department of Motor Vehicles office on April 21. All customers were offered refreshments, plus giveaways to those who signed up to be an organ donor. As of April 24, the office had signed up 143 new organ donors. 
The field of possible donors was expanded earlier this year, when New York joined 48 other states in allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to express intent to be an organ donor. Final determination whether the donation proceeds is determined by the parent or legal guardian. 
In New York there are approximately 10,000 people who are sick with any number of different illness whose names are placed on the national transplant list by their doctor because they need a new organ to save their life. 
One donor can save up to 8 lives and provide 75 others with improved sight and mobility.