Plaque honors local organ donor recipient
A new tribute plaque at the Drivers License Office in Blanding honors a San Juan County resident who is a member of Utah’s transplant community.
The plaque features Elroy “Woody” Salt, who received the gift of life in 2016 from the University of Utah Medical Center where he underwent a heart transplant.
Elroy “Woody” Salt grew up on the Navajo Reservation, and later served his country in the U.S. Navy, as an aircrew and aviation electrician on the H-53 helicopter and a member of HM-15 Alameda, California squadron.
Despite being in good shape, Woody’s life changed dramatically when he suffered a massive heart attack at the age of 47. “I went from working construction to being placed on the transplant wait list, in need of a new heart, all within a few months,” said Woody.
Thankfully, on February 3, 2016, Woody received the call that would allow him to receive the gift of life. A donor heart had become available, and he immediately rushed to the University of Utah Medical Center where he underwent his heart transplant.
“I am grateful for the medical staff and the care they provided. I’m blessed and happy that my new heart was available when I needed it,” said Woody.
“It has now been seven wonderful years with my family, and I have been able to celebrate birthdays, graduations, and experience the birth of new family members. Every day is a gift, a blessing, and a miracle.
“I live in gratitude for my donor and honor them by living my life to the fullest. Saying ‘Yes’ to organ, eye, and tissue donation saved my life.”
DonorConnect is partnering with Utah Drivers License offices to bring more awareness by installing similar plaques across the state.
The two organizations hope the plaques will inspire more Utahns to say “YES” to becoming organ, eye and tissue donors when obtaining their driver’s licenses.
All plaques honor either a deceased donor, living donor or recipient from the community in which the plaques are installed.
Saying “YES” is a priceless gift and can save or enhance the lives of dozens of people. There are more than 104,000 people waiting for a life-saving organ transplants in the United States, including more than 800 in Utah. Utahns can register to give the gift of “YES” at their local DLD office or at DonorConnect.