URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — More than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for lifesaving organ transplants, according to Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network.

During National Donate Life Month, they’re working with Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana to encourage people to register as donors. 

All eight of Carle’s hospitals are working to facilitate organ donation and support loved ones through the experience. Katie Shelton felt that support first-hand after her 23-year-old son, Kendrick, died last year in an accident.

“I miss you more than my brain can fathom most days,” Shelton said. “The pain of losing you is so unbearable, but I find peace knowing you saved lives. Thank you for the 23 years I had the privilege of being your momma.”

Kendrick’s organs have been given to people of all ages across several states including North Carolina, Ohio and Illinois. He’s saved five lives and enhanced another 10 through bone tissue donations. 

The impact of organ donation has been felt by Carle’s own, too.

Harley Brooks works for the health system and is celebrating more than a decade of his heart transplant. He said the organ has allowed him to keep serving patients at Carle.

“[Organ donation] not only saves lives, it transforms lives,” Brooks said. “I would not be doing the kind of work I’m doing today without reflecting after I got out of the hospital [on] what’s important in life and what’s good in life.”

He said there was a time when he felt like he was looking death straight in the face, but on Thursday, he stood alongside other recipients advocating for people to join the registry.