LAFAYETTE, LA – On Saturday, December 8 the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA), Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC) and Southern Eye Bank (SEB) will host their annual Tree of Life ceremony. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in LGMC’s Boulevard Bistro (first floor cafeteria), 1214 Coolidge Street.

The invitation is open to all organ, tissue and cornea donor families, transplant recipients and others who have been touched by donation. Decorating the Tree of Life provides a chance for families to step back and reflect on the legacy left behind by their loved ones. The decorated tree will stay up during the holiday season inside the Boulevard Bistro and will serve as an inspiration to others to give the gift of life.

Families are encouraged to bring an ornament honoring their hero to help create this beautiful memorial. Regardless of how simple or complex the ornament, it will represent each donors’ quiet heroism.

Donor families and recipients will be available for interviews at the conclusion of the ceremony. For more information on LOPA and Lafayette General’s Tree of Life ceremony, please contact Suzanna Morton, (256) 724-2255 / smorton@lopa.org.

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LOPA is a private non-profit organization that exists to enhance and promote the recovery of organs and tissues for transplantation, to increase awareness through education and outreach, and to provide the vital services that support donor families. For more information on donation, visit www.lopa.org or call 1 (800) 521-GIVE (4483).

Contact: Suzanna Morton, LOPA Community Educator

Phone: 256.724.2255

Email: smorton@lopa.org