Don’t Hog The Giblets; Everything You Need To Know About Donating an Organ
- 94,684 Waiting List Candidates as of 1/11/07
- 24,435 Transplants January - October 2006
- 12,394 Donors January - October 2006
If you think the season of giving is behind us, think again. You can make available the most important gift you will ever give every day of your life by agreeing to become an organ donor. I know this is not exactly like wrapping a package for your favorite aunt and tying the red bow, and the whole idea of volunteering to give the ultimate gift to a complete stranger creeps some people out.
If you’re one of those who aren’t sure about becoming a potential donor, here are some facts that may help you decide…
Many different parts of your body can save or improve the life of another. They include your kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, corneas, bone matter and many tissues.
Everyone can sign up to donate, regardless of age or medical history. An evaluation will be made after death to determine which organs and tissues can be donated.
It’s easy to become a donor. You just sign on the line, literally. Everyone who owns a driver’s license in participating states can sign a statement on the back of their driver’s license. This allows rescue units and law enforcement to immediately identify you as a potential donor. They may then act quickly and appropriately to guarantee that your wish is fulfilled.
You’ll feel no pain. You will be dead when your organs are taken from your body. It’s a fact. However, your plans for organ donation may be painful for your family members. They will be vulnerable and hurting from your loss. This is why you should be sure to discuss this decision with them. The fact is they can rescind your decision if they choose. No medical personnel will fight a family member to remove an organ from a deceased loved one. Unfortunately, family members may fight one another. You can help prevent this by making clear your wishes.
No one makes a penny from your donation, nor will their be any expense for organ removal to be paid by your family. Organs are not sold. They must be tested to find a suitable match from patients on a waiting list in a pre-determined order.
The above fact also means that only in very rare cases will you have anything to say about who receives your organs. Remember—you won’t even know it’s happening. Easy in, easy out, and no responsibilities, except to your loved ones.
Information about donation is readily available. The United Network for Organ Sharing is an excellent place to start. The site furnishes updated statistics and news about donation, as well as all of the instruction and examples you could want.
It’s an intensely personal decision, so get the facts, make a decision, and make it known.
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POSTED IN: A Mother's Wisdom, Death, How To, Treatment, Your Body
2 opinions for Don’t Hog The Giblets; Everything You Need To Know About Donating an Organ
AussieRodney
Jan 12, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Yep, when my wife died unexpectedly in Seattle from a brain aneurysm 3 years ago, it was the best decision I ever made to donate her organs. I have never regretted it, even for a moment. One of her kidneys is alive & well.
Rodney.
Wade
Jan 13, 2007 at 9:05 am
Wow, Rodney. I’m sorry for your loss, but that’s great to hear the resolve with which your decision left you.
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