Give The Gift Of Life At Saturn Corp's National Donor Day Feb. 14

FOR RELEASE: February 7, 2002

Give The Gift Of Life At Saturn Corp's National Donor Day Feb. 14

Troy, Mich. - Make this Valentine's Day truly meaningful by giving the gift of life.

On February 14, 2002, participating Saturn retailers will host the fifth annual National Donor Day, a one-day event aimed at raising awareness and encouraging blood, marrow and blood stem cell, organ and tissue donations. Saturn Corporation, its United Auto Worker (UAW) partners and many of America's leading non-profit health organizations will join together in this nationwide effort to save lives.

Saturn is encouraging people to incorporate donation into their Valentine's Day celebration. At participating retailers on February 14th, consumers can donate blood or pledge to donate blood, be added to the National Marrow Donor Program Registry, and/or complete an organ and tissue donation pledge card. Flowers wilt, candy gets eaten...but a lifesaving-gesture is a true expression of love.

"We believe National Donor Day is the largest annual one-day blood, marrow, organ and tissue donation drive in America," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn vice president of sales, service and marketing. "Thanks to the success of the past four years, Saturn has collected approximately 30,000 units of blood, added more than 6,000 potential marrow donors to the National Marrow Donor Program Registry, and informed thousands of Americans of the urgent need for organ and tissue donors."

But clearly much help is still needed.

Over 80,000 patients currently await a life-saving organ transplant. An average of 16 people die every day because not enough organs are available to meet the need. Organ and tissue donation pledge cards will be available at all Saturn retail facilities on National Donor Day. Pledge cards can also be obtained by calling 800-553-6670.
Each year, approximately 30,000 patients in the U.S. will be diagnosed with life-threatening diseases, like leukemia, which are treatable by a marrow or blood stem cell transplant. Just one in three will find a donor match within their family. Many Saturn retailers will offer the opportunity to join the National Marrow Donor Program Registry - all it takes is a simple blood test. Anyone between the ages of 18-60 and in good general health can join the Registry.
Blood is typically in short supply during February, and this year the shortage is expected to be especially grave. Although 60 percent of Americans are eligible to give blood, only 5 percent donate. Blood drives will be available at many Saturn locations and where not available, blood donation may be pledged for a later date at a different location.

To raise awareness of the need for donation, Saturn is getting support from Chris Klug, a 1998 U.S. Olympic Team alpine snowboarder who is expected to medal at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Eight years ago, Klug was diagnosed with a rare degenerative liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis. He underwent a liver transplant in July 2000, and he is now one of the world's top Alpine racers and the U.S. men's best chance to medal in Salt Lake City.

"Please consider celebrating Valentine's Day with donations," said Chris. "It takes very little time or effort to fill out an organ donation pledge card, donate blood or be added to the National Marrow Donor Program Registry, but the rewards are priceless. I'm living proof of how meaningful and precious the gift of life can truly be."

For more information on Saturn National Donor Day and for a complete list of non-profit partners, please call 800-553-6670, or visit www.saturnuaw.com.

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