This time of year, most of us are busy buying gifts, making plans, and celebrating with family. Two years ago, Kenedy Maze was missing a lot. She missed her friends because she was not allowed to go to school due to the advancing Cystic Fibrosis (CF) disease taking over her lungs. She missed being able to run and play because she was now tethered to six liters of oxygen just to breathe. She missed her sister, Kaylee, who lost her fight against CF in 2007.

In January 2013, Kennedy and her mother left family and friends to move to their transplant hospital in St. Louis because Kenedy was getting so sick. “When I hear of someone talk about registering as an organ donor, I hear them talking about a hero,” Kennedy has said.

During the holidays, many of us wish to give back, but we struggle to find the time and means to do so. This Christmas, there is something everyone can do that costs nothing, takes less than a minute, and helps children like Kenedy. Joining the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry gives hope to thousands of children, adults, and their families.

“Although we may not be able to save their life today, we are able to give them hope simply by registering,” explains Clinton Circuit Clerk Jake Staton. “There are over 124,000 patients waiting for a life saving organ transplant this Christmas. Each day, 21 of those patients will lose their fight, and their life, waiting.”

The Kentucky Circuit Clerks’ Trust For Life works to educate Kentucky about the vital mission of organ donation and encourage everyone to be hope for patients in need.

“As your Circuit Court Clerk, I’ve been involved with our Trust For Life for many years. My staff and I ask every person obtaining a license or ID if they would like to donate $1 to raise awareness about this life saving mission. We are also required to ask everyone to join the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry. It only takes a moment to say ‘yes’ and be hope,” says Staton.

Everyone, regardless of medical history or age can join the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry simply by saying “yes” while renewing a driver’s license or going online to www.donatelifeky.org.

“We feel honored to give everyone the opportunity to be hope and save lives–in a quick and simple way–every day. Thanks to the kindness of this community and the dedication of my hard working staff, many of you have already joined the registry over the years. However, the need is still there. Over 45 percent of Kentuckians are registered donors. Everyone, regardless of medical history, can join the registry to give hope to those waiting today. It’s easy. Do you have questions about organ donation? You can call 1-866-945-5433 and talk to Shelley at the Trust For Life,” explains Staton.

Kenedy received the Gift of Live in April 2013 after several months on the waiting list. “Kenedy’s lung transplant is still proving to be a success. Her lung functions are at 98 percent, and she is living life. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) has stopped her from doing so much, but she is showing CF that she is stronger. Her sophomore year of high school has been exciting,” explains Kenedy’s mom, Sandra Maze. Kenedy adds how grateful she is for her second chance at life. “I have chosen to live my life not only for myself, but for my organ donor. I am living because of organ donation.”

The Kentucky Circuit Clerks’ Trust For Life is a 501C(3) non-profit organization that informs, educates, and encourages Kentuckians to be a registered organ and tissue donor to save lives. For more information call 1-866-945-5433, email info@trustforlife.org, or go to www.trustforlife.org.