David Edmondson is not your ordinary guest speaker. A few years ago, he went through a heart transplant that saved his life. He now volunteers for LifeNet, the Virginia organ donation organization that is responsible for his life-saving procedure.

By speaking at high schools, colleges and religious centers in Virginia, Edmondson hopes his story will motivate people to become organ donors, potentially saving the lives of many others. Anatomy students at Gloucester High School had the opportunity to hear his story, as well as other information regarding LifeNet when Edmondson visited the campus Nov. 15 and 16.

Each state has its own organ donation organization and their names vary, but all of the state centers work closely with the United Network for Organ Sharing, or UNOS, which is headquartered in Richmond. UNOS divides the nation into regions for organ donations, and donations are made within the regions whenever possible. Edmondson is a volunteer for Region 11.

To view this article in its entirety, subscribe here. Already an online subscriber? Login Here