Ogden, Feb. – Typically, people associate funeral homes with death. Not so with Leavitt’s Morturay in Odgen. Leavitt’s is departing from its usual advertising campaigns it they can promote saving lives through organ donation.

Leavitt's Mortuary

In a new 30-second TV spot, the owner, Mike Leavitt, highlights children who have received organ transplants and encourages viewers to join the Utah Donor Registry.

His passion for saving lives is personal. Two years ago, his daughter, Crystal Lynn, died from a reaction to medication.

“While she did not die waiting for a transplant, no parent should have to go through having a child die,” he said.

Mike has been a longtime supporter of organ and tissue donation. The new TV ad features half a dozen children who received a life-saving organ transplant. Mike narrates the spot by discussing the merits of organ donation.

“Funeral directors are in a position to guide the family through funeral arrangements and instruct them how to incorporate donation into those ‘pre-need’ arrangements,” said Alex McDonald, director of public education/public relations for Intermountain Donor Services.

“Leavitt’s Mortuary is doing something unique here,” Alex said. “They are giving families the opportunity to do something good in their time of grief.”

Because of Mike’s commitment to organ donation, he will be receiving the “Yes!” Utah Award, presented by Utah’s Donate Life Coalition. Former Mayor Rocky Anderson will also be receiving this award.

In Utah, there are 301 people waiting for a life-saving organ transplant and thousands who are waiting for tissue transplants. Nationally, there are over 98,000 people in need of an organ transplant and millions who need tissue transplants.