The month of April marks Organ Donation Month, looking to bring awareness to the effects of becoming an organ donor. Each day over 4,000 people are added to the national waiting list. At this moment, 105,000 people are in need of organs. 
Sarah Beth James, Miss Mississippi 2011, made her charity platform for Miss America organ donation.
James said a close family friend’s need of an organ donation made her more passionate about bringing awareness to donating.
“A few years ago a dear friend of mine, Ralph McDonald, received a liver transplant, which added several years to his life.  The process of transplantation and the incredible effect it can have on recipients, donors and loved ones is miraculous.  Along the way I have met numerous people who have been given a second chance at tomorrow, because a stranger chose to give the gift of life,” James said. 
James said at first she just wanted to learn everything she could so that she could go out and speak to her generation, a generation who could save so many lives.
“You can save up to eight lives with just one donor,” she said. “How many chances do you have to save eight lives?”
Chuck Stinson, cmmunity outreach manager for the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA), spent 23 years in television and radio before coming to MORA.
“We are basically the agency’s arm into the community doing marketing, public education and outreach.  We handle health fairs, public speaking engagements, plan our marketing strategy and also special events,” Stinson said.
Stinson worked with James during her reign as Miss Mississippi to bring organ donation to the forefront of issues in Mississippi.
“We wanted people, but especially students, to learn that organ donation is a lifesaving act. A new person goes on the list every 10 minutes,” Stinson said.
Stinson said the stories he hears from those who chose to donate organs are what gets him through the strenuous tasks of a day-to-day operation. 
“Recipients talk often about the second chance at life they have been given. And then to hear the stories of organ donors brings out a powerful energy in this business,” he said. “The things these recipients get to see, to celebrate because someone gave unselfishly of themselves.”
James said he continues to push for organ donation in the state of Mississippi, but especially at Mississippi State University.
“The biggest issue facing organ donation is lack of awareness.  It’s so easy to register and it is something that brings an amazing impact which can save so many lives,” James said.
Anyone who wishes to become an organ donor can visit msorg.orgor do so during license renewal.  For more information, follow MORA on Twitter at @DonateLifeMS.