WTOL 11 and Life Connection of Ohio Host 16th Annual Donate Life Green Chair Sit-In

WTOL 11 and Life Connection of Ohio have partnered to host the 16th annual Donate Life Green Chair Sit-in in Toledo, Ohio. The 24-hour event is designed to raise awareness for organ donation in observance of National Donate Life Month.

The event begins at 9 a.m. On April 7, 2026, and concludes at 9 a.m. On April 8, 2026. The marathon activity takes place at the WTOL 11 facilities, where a rotating group of participants occupies a designated Green Chair.

Participants in the sit-in include transplant recipients, family members of donor heroes, and individuals who support the cause of organ donation. This rotation continues for the full 24-hour duration to symbolize the ongoing need for donors.

Healthcare Demand and Organ Shortages

The initiative addresses a significant shortage of available organs in the United States. According to data provided by Life Connection of Ohio, more than 100,000 people are currently on the national transplant waiting list.

Within the state of Ohio, the waiting list includes more than 2,500 individuals. The organization reports that the organ shortage is increasing at a rate where one person is added to the waiting list every 8 minutes.

The human cost of this shortage is highlighted by the fact that 16 people die every day while waiting for an organ transplant.

Impact of Organ and Tissue Donation

The campaign emphasizes the high potential for impact from a single donor. Life Connection of Ohio states that one individual has the capacity to save up to eight lives through organ donation.

Beyond organ transplantation, the organization notes that a single donor can also heal 125 additional people through tissue donation.

The partnership between the local media outlet and the healthcare organization seeks to encourage residents to register as donors to mitigate the growing waiting lists and reduce daily mortality rates associated with organ failure.

The event uses the slogan Take a seat to take a stand to encourage public engagement with the donation process and to share the personal stories of those affected by organ failure and transplantation.