(Left to Right) Friends of Mercy Golf Classic chairman Joe Tarulli of Garden City, honoree Charles R. Joyce of Rockville Centre, and Friends of Mercy Medical Center president Rob Bossart of Rockville Centre. Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City), Chair of the Senate Health Committee, announced legislation he sponsored to make it easier to become an organ donor was signed into law by Governor David A. Paterson.

The new law provides an option to register and enroll in the "New York State Donate Life Registry" on statewide voter registration applications.

Senator Hannon said, "thousands of people die every year waiting for donated organs. In New York alone, as demand for organs outpaces supply, nearly 9,000 people are on a waiting list for donated organs."

One organ donor can save or enhance the lives of up to 50 people through an organ or tissue donation that may restore eyesight, help fight infections in burn patients, or delay the onset of organ failure.

In February, Senator Hannon joined with members of the Long Island Transplant Recipients Organization to promote organ donation throughout New York State. At the time, Senator Hannon also urged donors to let their families know of their intentions and to put their wishes in writing so they cannot be disputed.

Senator Hannon said, "This law reduces barriers for individuals to become organ donors by allowing for convenient registration and enrollment in the Donate Life Registry for the many New Yorkers who fill out voter registration applications every year."