Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land honored Hurley Medical Center in Flint today for its greatly improved success in encouraging people to give the gift of life - a simple act that transforms many lives.

Joined by Genesee County residents who had their sight restored with new cornea tissue, Land highlighted the constant and critical need for organ and tissue donation. The call to action is part of her ongoing "Show Us Your Heart" campaign that encourages people to add their names to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. Since beginning the 2008 campaign April 1, more than 36,000 people have added their names to the registry.

"Imagine facing the prospect of never being able to see again and then having your whole world returned to you thanks to a cornea transplant," Land said. "Organ, tissue and eye donation saves and enhances the lives of thousands of Michigan residents each year. These miracles aren't possible without donors, and the demand for organs far exceeds the supply. I encourage all residents to take a minute to sign up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. It's fast, convenient and provides hope for someone in need."

Land noted that almost 3,100 Michigan patients are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. One donor can enhance the lives of up to 50 people.

The testimonies of Linden resident Jerry Redoutey and Birch Run resident Ray Letterman spoke about the miraculous healing brought about by transplants. Redoutey explained how cornea transplants allowed him to return to the life he loves as a Master Gardener, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and active volunteer. Letterman told how cornea transplants provided his 1-year-old daughter, Riley, a chance to see for the first time. Now the energetic toddler eagerly explores her world and is mesmerized by everything she sees.

Land presented Patrick Wardell, Hurley president and CEO, with a Shining Star Award for the center's efforts. She also was joined by Dr. Gregory Casey, a trauma surgeon at Hurley, who spoke about the importance of organ donation.

Hurley was recognized for promoting greater awareness about the need for donors that has resulted in increasing organ, tissue and eye donation rates from 10 percent to more than 75 percent. Hurley is the only Michigan medical center to receive a Shining Star since the award was established in 2005.

"I'm pleased to hear of this amazing accomplishment," Wardell said. "The work Hurley does collectively with organ donation is a strong testament to the clinical excellence and outreach education we do day in and day out."

Land has been highlighting her "Show Us Your Heart" campaign to increase the number of names on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. The campaign, which was launched January 2007, encourages residents to add their names to the donor registry and receive a heart sticker for the front of their driver's license or state identification card. The sticker alerts emergency and hospital personnel to the card holder's wish to be a donor. Residents may sign up online at www.Michigan.gov/sos or at any Secretary of State office. Individuals who signed up to be a donor prior to January 2007 should enroll again to receive the heart sticker.

Land pointed out that while there are more than 1.2 million names on the registry, Michigan has about 10 million residents, underscoring the need for donors.

Gift of Life Michigan is the state's certified, full-service organ recovery organization. It acts as an intermediary between donors, physicians and hospital staff. For more information, contact the agency at (800) 482-4881 or www.giftoflifemichigan.org.

The Michigan Eye-Bank recovers, evaluates and distributes corneas for transplantation, supports eye and vision research and offers education on the importance of organ, tissue and eye donation. To learn more call (800) 247-7250 or visit www.michiganeyebank.org.

Visit the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos to learn more about its organ donation initiatives.