Dawn, RN
Meet Dawn. She is a Registered Nurse at Rapid City Regional Hospital. She has been serving patients at the hospital since November 2009.
Dawn is one of the nurses at Rapid City Regional Hospital who is proudly sharing her commitment to donation with her community as part of a new campaign called Donate Life Black Hills. The campaign is a partnership between the hospital and LifeSource to increase the number of registered organ and tissue donors in the Black Hills.
Why did you register to be an organ and tissue donor?
“I became a donor so I can give life back to those in need one day. I know someone who has received a kidney transplant and it has given her a chance to live a full and active life. I wish people knew what a difference it can make in someone’s life. When you make the decision to become an organ and tissue donor it is a decision your family doesn’t have to make.”
Why do you believe it is important for others to register as organ and tissue donors?
“There is a large waiting list and a lot of people in need. I think it’s important for people in the Native American community to be organ donors. Not only is the need higher but people need to know more about it. A lot of it has to do with culture, and I think with education it would make a big difference in many people’s decision about donation. I don’t want to change our culture or beliefs, but I do want to educate people on why donation is so important.”