‘Give My Heart’ by Sean Wells. Courtesy/NMDS

Courtesy/NMDS

NMDS News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Across the nation more than 100,000 people need lifesaving organ transplants, and more than 20 percent of those waiting are Hispanic. In New Mexico, 644 people are on the waitlist and 53 percent of those waiting are Hispanic.

In commemoration of Dia de los Muertos, and to help save lives and end the waitlist, prominent Hispanic Artist Sean Wells, and New Mexico Donor Services are teaming up.

Together they will unveil and dedicate a new Dia de los Muertos themed painting titled “Give My Heart”.  The artwork will be dedicated at 10:30 a.m. today, Nov. 1 at the Donate Life New Mexico office. It also will be turned into smaller honor cards to be shared and help promote organ, eye and tissue donation.

“Our senorita presents a rose as a symbol of her heart, which she generously gifts saving a life,” artist Sean Wells explains. “The flowers growing lushly in her rib cage represent her organs, and a playful Alebrije symbolizes the transference of life through donation. That you live on in a new form.”

New Mexicans saved a record number of lives through organ donation in 2021. The state saw 93 donor heroes and is on pace with that record this year. Anyone can register to help save lives. You are never too old or too sick, and all major religions support organ donation. 

Nationally, 17 people die each day waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and someone is added to the waitlist every 9 minutes. Only 3 in 1,000 people die in a way that allows for organ donation to take place. That is why it is important for everyone to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor.

We encourage everyone to make the decision to #BeTheGift as an organ, eye and tissue donor by signing up on our state’s donor registry at the NM MVD or online at BeTheGiftToday.com and inform your next of kin of your decision. Learn more at www.donatelifenm.org.