By Kelley Bozeman

"Currently there are more than 550 Kentuckians and more than 78,000 people waiting for an organ as their only hope for life-saving treatment. One name is added to that list every 20 minutes. We want to assist the faculty, staff and students in becoming informed about organ donation."

-- Janie Morrison,
deputy director,
UK Transplant Center

Lexington, Ky. (Dec. 13, 2002) -- The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville may be the state's most famous rivals in the sports arena, but the schools are standing together in a friendly competition supporting organ and tissue donation.

When the Wildcats' and Cardinals' basketball teams meet on Dec. 28 at Freedom Hall, the battle to secure signed donor cards will be nearly a month old. Their goal is to get the most fans to sign driver's licenses or organ donor cards during the second annual Gift of Life Challenge.

"Currently there are more than 550 Kentuckians and more than 78,000 people waiting for an organ as their only hope for life-saving treatment," Janie Morrison, deputy director of the UK Transplant Center, said. "One name is added to that list every 20 minutes. We want to assist the faculty, staff and students in becoming informed about organ donation."

"Whether you will be cheering for the Kentucky Wildcats or the Louisville Cardinals, I think everyone will agree that increased education about organ and tissue donation is a great reason for the two universities to join forces," Morrison added.

To become a donor, visit a Gift of Life Challenge booth on campus - at the Hilary J. Boone Center or at the UK Chandler Medical Center - show your signed driver's license or donor card, sign the fan roster, then tell your family about your decision to become an organ and tissue donor.

The challenge continues until the start of the UK vs. U of L basketball game. The winning school will be announced during halftime.