We’ve been getting a lot of questions that make us realize that the average person doesn’t realize just how scarce organs are. But scarcity is why people wait so long, and generally have to be far sicker than they need to be before surgery. Last year, donations of all organs were, unfortunately, down in the United States.
I’ve been an organ donor since the day I received my first driver’s license at age 16. Donation has always made complete sense to me, and now that we are on the needing end, I can’t imagine the trauma of knowing that there would be no hope if transplantation was not an option, if organ donation did not exist.
Many years ago, we lost Nick’s brother Willie to a brain aneurysm. A young man that stood tall and seemingly healthy was with us one morning, gone by evening. Willie had a one-year old daughter. His wife was pregnant with their son. The only positive thing that came out of that awful tragedy was that seven people were saved and helped via the gift of life from Willie.
From the Mayo Clinic, here is some comforting talk about the myths of organ donation: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/consumer-health/in-depth/organ-donation/art-20047529
You have to make a bit of an effort to be a donor, but only a bit. Here’s how:
❤ First, sign up with your state’s donor registry: http://www.organdonor.gov/becomingdonor/stateregistries.html
❤ Designate your decision on your driver’s license.
❤ Tell your family about your decision. It’s important that they know your wishes.
❤ Tell your physician and friends.
❤ Include donation in your will, etc.
The first step is vital, and you can do it right now.
–Maryanne
9 Lives Notes 