Inclement weather was not enough to deter people from visiting Door County Medical Center on Wednesday afternoon, as it recognized Donate Life Month. The annual ceremony was moved inside to the Door County Medical Center lobby due to the rain. Members of organ and tissue donation organizations, Versiti and Lions Eye Clinic of Wisconsin, substituted in for the flag pole to wave the Donate Life flag while dozens commemorated the day with a one-minute and three-second moment of silence to remember the 103,000 Americans currently waiting for a life-saving transplant.

Speaking at the event were Don and Polly Helm, whose daughter Ellie passed away more than seven years ago in an ATV accident, but lives on in others because of her decision as a 16-year-old to become an organ donor. The Helms say Ellie was excited to become an organ donor, despite not knowing if they would ever have to worry about the decision. Knowing the lives Ellie has been able to impact as an organ donor, the Helms continue to be proud of their daughter.

Wednesday's flag-raising was part of other Pause to Give Life events throughout the state, which promoted the mission of organ, tissue, and eye donation and honored donors and their families.