Senator Tom Berryhill (R-Modesto) was named Legislator of the Year by Donate Life California for his consistent support of Donate Life, as well as his co-authorship of SB 1395. SB 1395 established the Living Donor Registry for kidney donation, the first in the nation. Berryhill has also sponsored legislation to encourage people to sign up for the donor registry.

“We are pleased to recognize Senator Berryhill for his continuing support to save lives through organ, eye and tissue donation,” stated Lisa Stocks, president of Donate Life California.  “His efforts are invaluable in our work to increase the level of donation commitments from Californians on our Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Registry.  Even though we just passed the nine million mark in registrations, we are still working hard to inspire and educate the majority of Californians who have yet to sign up.  There are nearly 22,000 people in our state waiting for the gift of life. That’s why the work of Senator Berryhill is so important.”

“Shortly after I began my work as a legislator I celebrated with Donate Life California as the organ donor registry hit the one million mark,” said Berryhill. “Now we stand at nine million and counting, and I continue to applaud the hard work and dedication of Donate Life California.  As someone who has received the gift of life from an organ donor, I am grateful for each and every day.  I am so very honored to be receiving this award from Donate Life California.”

Senator Berryhill represents Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Counties.

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