Nationwide, more than 100,000 people are on the waiting list for an organ transplant. And this number continues to grow, making it more important than ever for people who support donation to register their decision to be an organ donor.

In 2009, Astellas Pharma US, Inc., partnered with Donate Life Illinois (DLI) and the Chicago Bears to issue the Tackle the Shortage: Donate Life Challenge to the state of Illinois, where Astellas US is headquartered, encouraging residents to join the donor registry, with the goal of adding 5,000 new donors by the end of the year.

As part of the program, information booths were set up in the Bears Ultimate Tailgate area outside of Soldier Field prior to the Bears first four regular season home games, offering visitors the opportunity to sign up as registered donors and learn more about the importance of organ donation.

Tackle the Shortage paid tribute to Chicago Bears legend and organ donation advocate Walter Payton. At the age of 45, Payton passed away while on the waiting list for a liver transplant. As part of the tribute to Payton, visitors to the Tackle the Shortage booth at the Tailgate events had the opportunity to win a Walter Payton commemorative Donate Life license plate keychain and order a Walter Payton Donate Life license plate, which helps fund organ donation education efforts across the state.

 

• Privacy Policy  |
•  Terms of Use  |
•  Site Map  |
•  Contact

010I-032-2548     11/10