Charleston, WV (February 14, 2025) — On February 14, National Donor Day, the West Virginia Legislature recognized the impact of organ, tissue, and cornea donation while honoring the lifesaving legacy of Seilah Stanley, a young organ donor whose generosity saved and healed lives. Seilah’s family attended the event at the State Capitol as lawmakers introduced resolutions in both the House and Senate chambers, acknowledging her incredible gift and the ongoing need for more registered donors.

At just two years old, Seilah Stanley became a hero through organ donation, offering hope to others in need of transplants. Since her passing, her family has dedicated themselves to raising awareness about the lifesaving power of organ, tissue, and cornea donation.

“Seilah’s gift of life has given us purpose in our grief,” said Angie Stanley, Seilah’s mother. “Knowing that our sweet girl was able to save others brings comfort, and we want to make sure more families understand the impact that organ donation can have. It truly is the greatest legacy.”

The resolutions, introduced at approximately 10:00 a.m. in the Senate Chamber and 10:30 a.m. in the House Chamber, served as a reminder of the thousands of people still waiting for a second chance at life. More than 100,000 people across the United States are on the transplant waiting list, including nearly 500 in West Virginia.

“Every day, donors like Seilah provide hope and second chances to those in need of lifesaving transplants,” said Jared Bedekovich, Communications Specialist at the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE). “By recognizing National Donor Day at the State Capitol, West Virginia lawmakers helped spread the message that signing up as a donor can make all the difference.”

Following the legislative session, members of the Stanley family, CORE representatives, and state legislators spoke with the media to continue raising awareness about the importance of organ, tissue, and cornea donation.

Important Facts About Organ, Tissue, and Cornea Donation:

• Anyone can sign up to be an organ donor, regardless of age, race, or medical history.
• More than 100,000 people nationwide are currently awaiting a lifesaving transplant, including hundreds in West Virginia.
• One organ donor can save up to eight lives and a tissue donor can improve the lives of more than 75 others
• Individuals are encouraged to talk with family members about their decision to sign up as a donor.
• West Virginians can sign up to be an organ, tissue, and cornea donor by visiting core.org/register.

About CORE

The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) is one of the more than 50 federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organizations (OPOs) in the United States, serving more than five million people in western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. CORE coordinates the recovery and matching of organs, tissues and corneas for transplant within our service region, and works tirelessly to create a culture of donation within the hospitals and communities we serve. CORE’s mission is to Save and Heal lives through donation, ultimately ending the deaths of those on the transplant waiting list, while maintaining integrity for the donation process, dignity for the donors, and compassion for their families. For more information, visit www.core.org or call 1-800-DONORS-7.

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