Placer County honors Donate Life Month for 4th year

Tuesday marked the fourth year Placer County has declared April as Donate Life Month. According to donatelife.net, the month of April features activities, like encouraging the public to wear blue and green, to encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors, as well as honor those who have saved lives through the gift of donation. "... By becoming an organ, eye and tissue donor, one individual can save and heal the lives of more than seventy-five people," the proclamation reads. "During National Donate Life Month, we honor the compassion and generosity of registered donors, donor families and living donors." Valen Keefer, an Auburn resident who is an internationally-recognized patient advocacy leader, health educator, and strategic consultant, once again accepted the proclamation, along with friends and fellow transplant recipients. "I'm always grateful for your support ... and something that Steve Newsom (director of Facilities Management for Placer County) said to me has stuck with me, and when I reached out to say 'April is Donate Life Month coming up,' and to check in on the support, he said, 'You don't need to ask each year; we're going to do this every year,' " Keefer said. "Which really I thought was profound, which showed your dedication and consistent support, and that means a lot personally and to our community. And it's also really important to have this platform to have the conversation, which is important and raises awareness. So I just want to thank you." The colonnade of the Placer County historic courthouse in Auburn has also been lit blue and green in honor of Donate Life Month. Donatelife.net notes the Donate Life brand and logo were created to "place the cause of organ, eye and tissue donation in the context of life and living, a selfless gift, showing compassion for humanity. Blue, green and the swirl represent the sky, earth and circle of life." The board approved the proclamation in a unanimous vote of 4-0. District 2 Supervisor Shanti Landon was absent. More information about Keefer and her mission can be found at valenkeefer.com. Parkinson's Awareness Additionally, the board unanimously approved a second proclamation also declaring April as Parkinson's Awareness Month. According to the Parkinson's Foundation, Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain, which could cause symptoms such as gait or balance problems, limb stiffness and slowness of movement. According to Donna Cline, development manager for the Parkinson's Foundation, someone is diagnosed with PD every six minutes. "... The Placer County Board of Supervisors encourages participation in raising awareness, supporting research and creating a compassionate community for those affected by Parkinson's Disease," the proclamation states. In honor to spread awareness, the Historic Courthouse was lit blue on April 11 for Parkinson's Awareness Day.