Will County Gazette

A bill sponsored by Rep. Tim Ozinga (R-Mokena) that gives those applying for hunting licenses the opportunity to sign up to be organ donors unanimously passed the House on March 3.

According to a press release from Ozinga's office, the legislation "offers purchasers of Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) hunting licenses the opportunity to be redirected to the First Person Consent organ and tissue donor registry website maintained by the Secretary of State." Ozinga said in the release, "I was pleased to introduce this bill on behalf of the Maddog Strong Foundation." Around 65% of eligible Illinoisans are registered organ donors, "but still hundreds of Illinoisans die each year waiting for an organ transplant."

"I applaud Rep. Ozinga and the house leadership for passing HB4696," said Frank Grobmeier, executive director of Maddog Strong Foundation. "Our daughter Maddie was an active outdoors person, hunting and fishing license holder and youth leader in Illinois outdoors community before she passed away and became an organ and tissue donor. This bill honors her and every Illinois donor hero by giving those Illinois hunters a chance to sign up on the Illinois Secretary of State donor registry when they get their annual license. I encourage our brave state senators to pass this legislation and give Illinoisians more chances to save lives through donation," .

The Maddog Strong Foundation was established in honor of Maddie "Maddog" Grobmeier, who passed away the day after her 18th birthday. "Maddie inspired many by donating her organs and tissues so that others could live on to do amazing things for the world," according to the foundation's website. The Maddog Strong Foundation's mission is to inspire others to become organ donors and "donate the gift of life."

More than 300 Illinoisans die each year while waiting for an organ transplant, according to the Secretary of State's Office. As many as 25 people can benefit from one organ donor.