Senate 35

SENATE RESOLUTION 35

(By Senators Helton and Grady)

[Introduced February 12, 2026]

Recognizing February 14, 2026, as National Organ Donor Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, The State of West Virginia recognizes February 14, 2026, as National Donor Day, a day to celebrate those who save and heal lives as organ, tissue, and cornea donors; and

Whereas, The State of West Virginia honors the memory of Timmy “Bub” Fields, a 15-year-old student from Nitro, West Virginia. In November of 2024, Timmy tragically passed away. But in the face of heartbreaking loss, he became a hero through the gift of organ donation – saving five lives and also becoming a cornea and tissue donor. Timmy’s selfless gift of life serves as a powerful reminder of the impact organ donation can have and ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire and bless others; and

Whereas, The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) is the Organ Procurement Organization serving most of West Virginia; and

Whereas, CORE marked a seventh consecutive record-breaking year in 2025 in organ and tissue donation; and

Whereas, In West Virginia, there were 779 organ, tissue, and cornea donors in 2025; and

Whereas, More than 100,000 individuals in the United States, including 500 West Virginians, are currently awaiting a life-saving organ transplant; and

Whereas, Every 10 minutes, a person is added to the national transplant registry waiting list. On average, 17 people in the United States die each day because the needed organ is not donated in time; and

Whereas, One organ donor can save the lives of eight people and heal 75 others; and

Whereas, West Virginia encourages all residents to register as an organ, tissue, and cornea donor online at donatelifewv.org, at their local West Virginia DMV offices, or on their West Virginia hunting and fishing license application; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby recognizes February 14, 2026, as National Donor Day; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the family of Timmy Fields.