TOPICS

Organ Donation

Updated: May 1, 2012, 6:35 PM ET
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According to Donate Life, more than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for life-saving organ transplants. There's no shortage of organs; only a shortage of willing donors.

Starting today, there's a new initiative aimed at altering that equation-- a button has been added to Facebook's timeline feature that allows users to designate themselves as organ donors. If enough people sign up, the organ scarcity crisis might be resolved, tens of thousands of lives saved.

The power of organ donation is perhaps best illustrated not by the big numbers but by individual stories, stories such as those of Jason Ray and Paco Rodriguez.

VIDEO RESULTS FOR ORGAN DONATION

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NEWS RESULTS FOR ORGAN DONATION

  1. Recipient of Paco Rodriguez's double-lung transplant fulfilled promise as best she could

    Melissa Isaacson, ESPNChicago.com

    She became critically ill in her early 20s from the effects of Cystic Fibrosis.

    Story | Conversation | January 18, 2012

  2. Ronald Griffin, an organ recipient who received the heart of UNC mascot Jason Ray, has died

    Wayne Drehs, ESPN.com

    Ronald Griffin, an organ recipient who received the heart of UNC mascot Jason Ray, has died

    Story | Conversation | May 25, 2011

  3. E:60 -- Paco Rodriguez will always be a hero to the people who received a gift of life from the Golden Gloves champion

    Melissa Isaacson, ESPNChicago.com

    Boxer Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez had dreams of being a hero before suffering fatal injuries during a title fight in Philadelphia. Through organ donation, his dream was realized.

    Story | Conversation | April 18, 2011

  4. Stars to raise awareness about organ donation

    Dallas Stars

    The Dallas Stars are looking to raise awareness about organ donation by holding Taylor's Gift Night at American Airlines Center Saturday night. Tay...

    Story | November 15, 2010

  5. Erik Compton, Matt Every lead after Greenbrier Classic first round

    Associated Press

    Double heart transplant recipient Erik Compton shot a 7-under 63 in the inaugural Greenbrier Classic to share the first-round lead with rookie Matt Every.

    Story | Conversation | July 29, 2010

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AUDIO RESULTS FOR ORGAN DONATION

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ESPNW

By participating in the New York City Triathlon, Shannon Kelly not only will help raise money for the organ donor network, but will honor the man who gave her a new heart. Jane McManus »

RAY OF HOPE

The tragic death of UNC mascot Jason Ray gave new life to four families. Wayne Drehs » Watch »

DONATE LIFE

According to Donate Life, more than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for life-saving organ transplants. There's no shortage of organs; only a shortage of willing donors.

There's a new initiative aimed at altering that equation-- a button has been added to Facebook's timeline feature that allows users to designate themselves as organ donors. If enough people sign up, the organ scarcity crisis might be resolved, tens of thousands of lives saved.

HERO

Boxer Paco Rodriguez dreamed of being a hero before suffering fatal injuries during a fight in Philadelphia. Through organ donation, his dream was realized. Melissa Isaacson » Watch Video

CHRIS KLUG

Chris Klug is the only Olympic athlete to win a medal after surviving an organ transplant. His goals are the same: Go for gold, while raising awareness in the process. Bonnie D. Ford »

ABC NEWS

In an exclusive interview with ABC's Robin Roberts on "Good Morning America", Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg revealed the site's newest initiative. Starting today, users in the United States and U.K. will be able to add that they're organ donors to their Timelines, and if they're not organ donors, they can find links to official organ donation registries and instantly enroll. More from ABC News »