St. George, Nov. — Everyone has heard that the little things make a big difference. In Jilynne Hafen’s case, her actions helped save eight lives through organ donation.

Jilynne Hafen.

As a Critical Care Social Worker Social Worker at Dixie Regional Medical Center, she showed great compassion for families who lost loved ones and provided them with options- including organ donation.

On October 31st, Jilynne received the “Yes!” Utah Award from Utah’s Donate Life Coalition.

This award, named after the “Yes!” Utah Donor Registry, www.yesutah.org or 866-YES-UTAH, is given to individuals in the community who excel in their efforts to educate the public about organ, eye and tissue donation.

Only three awards were given out last year and Jilynne is the first to receive one in St. George.

“Organ donation benefits so many people, and yet, we have a long way to go before we can dispel the myths and get everyone signed up as donor,” said Alex McDonald, director of public education/public relations for Intermountain Donor Services.

While Utah has over one million people registered as donors, there are still more than 100,000 people who agree with donation but still haven’t signed up.

Also at the award ceremony will was Lisa Osmond and Stephen Bird. Lisa’s son, Adam, saw a presentation about organ donation at his high school and decided to join the registry. A short time later, he died and became a donor. Stephen was transplanted with Adam’s liver. Their stories will highlight how one donor can change another person’s life.