Here's a sobering statistic: More than 121,000 Americans are on a waiting list for a kidney, heart, liver or other vital organ. Organ donation can be an uncomortable topic—especially for parents—and that's where the Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency (ARORA) comes in.

In honor of National Donate Life Month, ARORA is hosting a free, family-friendly party that celebrates the lives of both donors and recipients of organ and tissue donations. At the Function at the Junction Bridge Party and Fun Walk on April 27, families can see the impact of organ donation in person. Attendees will walk across the Junction Bridge to North Little Rock where the families of organ and tissue donors, recipients, and ARORA staff and volunteers will hold a brief ceremony in honor of those who have given the gift of life.

Registering as an organ and tissue donor is easy; in fact, Arkansans can easily register at their local DMV office when they renew their drivers’ license or state identification card. During the Function at the Junction event, you can take part in on-site donor registration, and ARORA staff will be available to answer questions. 

You'll also find plenty of free and fun activities at the Function at the Junction party! KARK 4 Today personalities Mallory Brooks and D.J. Williams will serve as masters of ceremony. Live entertainment will be provided by Mayday by Midnight and Mariachi America. Plus, families will find free popcorn, popsicles, ice cream and water, a kids zone with a bounce house, giveaways, and a variety of popular local food trucks serving up special dishes or beverages for the occasion.

And don't forget to wear blue and green in recognition of the national organ, tissue and eye donation colors!

ARORA's free Function at the Junction Bridge Party and Fun Walk will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 27 at the Clinton Presidential Center in downtown Little Rock. For more info, visit DonateLifeArkansas.org.