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In this space, we like to look at ways to do Something Good for ourselves, others, and the world around us. The end result is that we feel good about ourselves for our efforts. Today’s suggestion is no exception, although the final outcome is something we won’t actually be around to see!
According to the official U.S. government web site of organ and tissue donation and transplantation – http://www.organdonor.gov/– approximately 74 people receive organ transplants every day. Just think of all those people who did Something Good by becoming organ donors! It’s pretty amazing, but there just aren’t enough folks making that decision. The site also reveals that each day 19 people die waiting for transplants. The American Heart Association estimates that a new person’s name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list every 16 minutes.
Have you made the choice to be an organ donor? I was always brought up with the idea that this was just something people did, so I was surprised to discover that some people have objections about signing up. Apparently, many people believe that if you are an organ donor, doctors will not try as hard to save your life in the event that become sick or injured. Others believe that their families will be charged for surgeries necessary to donate. If you’ve been nervous about these things, I would suggest that you peruse the Myths and Facts section of the above web site. There are also folks who have religious beliefs that prohibit them from being organ donors, although most major religions support organ donation as an act of charity.
But, maybe the reason you haven’t signed up to be an organ donor is less complicated than all that. Perhaps you just haven’t gotten around to it. If that is the case, then let’s go ahead and take care of it today. If you live in the U.S., my understanding is that different states have different regulations for becoming an organ donor. For a great resource that will help you determine how you can go about becoming an organ donor, check out http://www.donatelife.net/, and click on your state. In Canada, you may want to check out this section of the Give Life site and click on your province. Britain is just introducing the new Human Tissue Act this month, and you can get more information on it and how to donate by visiting http://www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/default.jsp. In most cases, it is far easier than you might have imagined to become a donor.
I also found that The Living Bank has an online registration process for those wishing to become donors. Just a couple of simple searches revealed a ton of sites dedicated to the subject. There were two pieces of information that I noticed again and again:
1. You need documentation of your desire to be an organ donor. It is especially helpful to print a donor card to keep in your wallet. Many states will also let you make a notation on your driver’s license or state identification, too. In Washington we have a little heart icon at the top of our ID cards.
2. It is important to let your loved ones know of your intentions. If you are injured to the point where organ donation is being discussed, you may not be able to give your consent. Make sure (don’t just assume) that those who would speak for you know what you would want.
It really is simple to become an organ donor. By making that choice, you are creating the potential to help save numerous lives. After all, most of us have two lungs, two kidneys, and a heart. That adds up to five potential recipients right there. In reality, there are many other organs and tissues that can be donated, as well. You could help someone regain their eyesight or survive cancer. Modern medicine is still coming up with new ways that one person can help so many others.
This is one of those suggestions that really takes so little time to complete but can have a huge impact. Not only does organ donation have the potential to save other’s lives when ours are through, but many friends and relatives of donors find that they gain a sense of peace in knowing that their loved one’s death has made such a difference. In addition to carrying around that little card in our wallets, we can also carry around the satisfaction of knowing that we’ve done Something Good for a whole lot of other people.
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