Be a lifesaver! Be an organ donor!
While I was working out at the ‘Y’ today I caught some of the Oprah Winfrey show. They were talking about the need for more organ donors. I have a former work colleague who is on the waiting list for a lung transplant. She’s running out of time. I’ve never signed up to be a donor but I’ve discussed it with my wife. I think it’s time for me to sign up.
Here’s a link to a map they posted on the www.Oprah.com web site showing a state-by-state guide on organ, tissue and eye donation laws and how to become an organ donor: How to donate
Howdy again! Usually I have nothing to add but this is my 3rd comment on this date. I was the liver transplant coordinator at UNMH here in Albuquerque. It was a very rewarding but challenging job. Prior to that, I worked in kidney transplant quite frequently as a float pool RN so saw people with new kidneys, new lungs, corneas, pancreas’s and livers. I don’t know if MN or most other states have the option to mark your driver’s license that you wish to be an “organ donor” but you all should check. Most importantly, everyone that wishes to donate any part, including skin, bone, etc. should let your families and other loved ones know. It is vital that the donor be cared for in special ways so the tissue/organ is in good condition to be transplanted. A lot of donors were able to have both kidneys, lungs, pancreas and liver transplanted, potentially saving 6 or more people on the “list”. The families of the donors frequently felt that a special part of their loved one was able to live on by saving another’s life. A very good book written by an early heart transplant recipient titled “Change of Heart” was something I read long before I thought I would be in the midst of transplants one day. I’m sorry I don’t remember the author’s name, just that she was a woman…..and I saw her on Oprah, back when I still watched TV. It’s most important to give permission for your own donation(s)in writing just in case. We never know when the time will come. One more thing: I have a donate for life license plate that I got by visiting the organ donation people. That’s an additional means of getting the word out.
OK, I’m off my soapbox now. I hope everyone who reads this will take some time to think about it. Go online ….you can find out more than you ever wanted to know and if you live in a city that has donor services, call them up.
Stephanie
Comment by StephanieC1960 — December 14, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
I think the book you’re referencing must be “Change of Heart: The Brian Hartford Story” by Brian Hartford and Peggy McCardle. It’s available from Amazon. Here’s the Amazon link:
http://weather.msn.com/local.aspx?wealocations=wc:USMN0246&q=Eveleth,+MN&setunit=F
Comment by Chuck Lucas WHS 1959 — December 14, 2008 @ 5:08 pm