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British Columbia recently received its one-millionth organ donor registration, a milestone that could help save the lives of eight times that many people.

Wendy Bertelsen of Burnaby was the millionth person to sign up as an organ donor in B.C.

“Organ donation is not something you like to think about, until it directly affects you—that’s what happened to me,” said Bertelsen. “When a family member became very ill it really hit home. Luckily, she recovered, but not everyone is so lucky. I’m glad I made the decision to register now, you just never know what impact you might have on someone’s life.”

In 2015 and 2016, BC Transplant received about 60,000 new registrations, 23,000 more than the previous five-year average.

BC Transplant attributes this success to a partnership with Service BC, which allows potential donors to register at Service BC locations. 

“Based on the success of this partnership, a similar pilot project is now underway at four ICBC locations and with Canadian Blood Services at blood donor clinics,” a BC Transplant release states.

According to BC Transplant, 95 per cent of British Columbians support organ donation, and 21 per cent have registered as an organ donor.

There are currently 613 people in B.C waiting for a transplant. In 2015, there was a record-breaking 422 transplants in the province, from 95 deceased donors, and 113 living donors.

“My donor’s last act in this world was to pass on life to me,” said Joanne Arcado, a liver transplant recipient. “I am so very grateful that they decided to register their decision and in the midst of their tragedy, save my life. They are my heroes.”