Organ donation continues to be an issue in the US, and Friday is National Minority Donor Day.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, many diseases of the heart, kidneys, lungs, liver and pancreas are found more often in minority populations, and minority donors are needed.

Esmerelda Romero is one of the lucky ones. Her daughter donated a kidney that likely saved her life. The Caldwell resident is now trying to get the word out, along with organizations across the country.

"It means so much to someone else because you're giving them an opportunity to be with their families," Romero said. "There are people dying that probably don't need to be dying."

According to the Southwest Transplant Alliance, more than 100,000 people are on a waiting list in the United States, including more than 8,000 in Texas. Each day, the alliance says 18 people will die in the US before an organ becomes available to them.

"Every time I meet someone who has had a transplant and is willing to publicly share their personal health story, I'm grateful that they're willing to personalize their story and put a local face on it," said Pan Silvestri with the Southwest Texas Alliance.

A link to that organization's website is provided below.