(Source) – During Donate Life Month, thousands of Georgians are still waiting for life-saving transplants, and one Savannah family is using their experience to encourage others to become organ donors.

Jeff Gregory, a Savannah husband and father of three, was diagnosed with liver disease at a young age.

“What keeps me going is that I look at it and I say, there’s purpose,” Gregory said. “I believe fully that the Lord provides.”

After about 15 months on the transplant waiting list, Gregory received the call that would change his life.

“You’re just hopeful that you’re going to get that call,” he said. “And when it comes, you’re ready. You have your bags packed, and you’re just joyful and really ecstatic.”

Gregory was one of many waiting for a transplant. According to LifeLink of Georgia, about 3,400 people in Georgia are currently on the transplant waiting list, with more than 100,000 people waiting nationwide.

Hope Weed, executive director of the LifeLink Foundation, said the need remains high, particularly for certain organs.

“For livers, you’re looking at almost 9,000 people nationally, and a couple hundred on the list for Georgia,” Weed said. “As far as kidneys, you’re looking at a little over 3,000 in the state of Georgia as well. Those are the two most needed organs for transplant.”

Organs such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys can be donated, often giving patients a second chance at life. Experts say the impact can also extend to donor families.

“After someone donates, there is normally a period where we coordinate getting a recipient and donor family together,” Weed said. “They find peace and hope in giving life to someone else.”

According to advocates, one donor can save up to eight lives and help dozens more through tissue donation.

“Go beyond awareness to action,” Gregory said. “And that action is to register their decision to be an organ donor.” Gregory said he would not be alive today without the generosity of a donor who gave him the gift of life.

Signing up to be an organ donor is a simple process. Georgians can register through the state registry or at the Department of Driver Services. More information on organ donation can be found here.