The moment of silence at Friday’s Donate Life ceremony at Door County Medical Center may last only 1 minute and 14 seconds, but it could mean a lifetime to someone else.
The annual event will take place around the Door County Medical Center flagpole at 1:08 p.m., representing the eight lives one person can save through organ, eye and tissue donation. The moment of silence will honor the more than 1,400 people currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant.
This year, John Vreeke will share his story as an organ recipient. Battling diabetes his entire life, Vreeke needed a double pancreas-kidney transplant when he was placed on the waiting list in 2021. In 2023, his wish was partially granted when a friend donated her kidney, allowing him to move up the list to receive a transplant.
DCMC Chief Nursing Officer Christa Krause and Versiti's Angie Giorgini said the ceremony highlights stories like Vreeke’s and raises awareness of how ordinary people can give others a new lease on life.
The ceremony will conclude with comments from DCMC CEO Brian Stephens, followed by a reception in the hospital lobby. If you cannot attend, DCMC encourages you to wear blue and green that day in support of organ donation.
