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Two-time heart recipient raising awareness for organ donation

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A Portland woman who knows the agony of waiting for a heart transplant is working to sign up donors.

“If I can change one person’s mind about organ and tissue donation I have honored both of my donors,” said Tracy Hoyle.

Hoyle has survived two heart transplants and a kidney transplant.

“I volunteer now signing up people for the registry at Donate Life Northwest and go to schools to encourage teens to sign up when they get their driver’s license.”

Right now in Oregon, 24 patients are waiting for a heart. Hundreds of others wait for transplants of another kind.

“As a donor, you can save up to 8 lives with organs and impact maybe dozens of others with tissue,” explained Donate Life Northwest Program Director John Ogden. "Many of the recipients go on to lead really active lives."

"I was at death's door," said Tracy. "Now I'm training for a half marathon. I live every day to the fullest."

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