February 11, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Alabama Organ Center (AOC) will hold its annual "Service of Remembrance," 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22, in the Norton Theater of the Norton Campus Center at Birmingham-Southern College.

The non-denominational service honors the donors who gave the gift of life during the previous calendar year. Each donor family in attendance is presented with a bronze Gift of Life medallion and wind chimes. These items serve to remind the family of their unselfish gift to a stranger and are a token of appreciation.

Speakers include Dem Lalisan, director of the Alabama Organ Center, Linda Fikes, donor mother, and Sharon Johnson, donor wife and recipient.

Each donor family is asked to bring a photo of their loved one to be displayed during the service and to write a tribute to their loved one to be read aloud as presentations are made. Families also may bring a quilt square to be incorporated into the Alabama Donor Family Quilt that travels around the state with AOC speakers to promote and educate about organ donation.

More about the Alabama Organ Center and organ donation can be found at www.alabamaorgancenter.org.