Organ Donation - The Gift of Life
Oct 17 '00
I believe that part of the reason people find it so hard to accept the death of a loved one is because it makes you start thinking about all the what if's and what will happen when it is your time to go. Well, what if the death of a loved one, or your own death, could actually save someone else's life? Simply talking about your wishes with your family could be the best thing you've ever done.
Why Organ Donation is Important
Organ donation is important for the simple fact that you are saving a human beings life. Over 70,000 American's alone are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, and hundreds of thousands more would benefit from a life-enhancing tissue transplant. Many of these people waiting for a second chance at life will never have their hopes realized. 10-20 people on that list die EVERY DAY.
How often do you think about donating your own organs? How much importance do you place upon this decision? Would you be more willing to be a donor if one of your family members or friends is on that waiting list? Think of it this way... every person waiting for that second chance at life is someone's parent, child, family member and/or close friend.
Why Many People Do Not Donate
There are deaths every day. A large majority of these people do not become donors. Why? Many simply do not know enough about organ donation and how it is accomplished. Many doctors are not looked upon for this information. If you have a valid drivers license, you can indicate on it that you wish to become a donor. Yet, it is essential for you to also communicate your wishes to your family members. At the time of your death, your family members / next of kin will have to give the consent to donate your organs. Your family members are more likely to NOT give consent if they have never discussed it with you, even if you do have a signed donor card. Also, the manner of your death may contribute to the availability of your organs. Those in serious car accidents most times are not able to donate.
Are You a Suitable Donor?
Almost everyone is a suitable donor for something. There are many organs that can be transplanted, including the heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver, and intestines. Tissue, such as cornea, skin, bone marrow, heart valves, and connective tissue, can also be transplanted. It is not unusual for one person to donate to eight or more individuals.
Will It Cost My Family Anything?
The donor's family is not responsible for costs associated with the transplant of organs. The recipient, most times through their insurance carrier, will pay all of the costs.
How Are Organs and Tissues Retrieved?
After giving consent, and being matched with an awaiting recipient, special care must be taken to make sure the organ continues to live, getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Teams of surgeons travel to the site of the donor and surgically remove those organs/tissues being donated. There is a small amount of time, approximately 6-24 hours, that an organ can stay alive outside the body. During this time, the recipient is being prepped and waiting anxiously for his/her second chance at life.
Can the Recipient/Donor be Contacted?
There are special laws protecting the families of organ donors. Many times it can be too hard for a family to have contact with the recipient. General information is sometimes gathered and shared with both parties. In rare cases, when both parties have consented, the recipient may be placed in contact with the donors family.
After the Operation
For most people who have an organ transplant, the quality of their life and health improves. They are frequently required to take medications to help prevent their body from rejecting the organ. At times, the organ/tissue may be rejected, and would need to be removed from the body. In this case, they would be placed back on the waiting list.
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Today I received an email from a lady who's daughter died shortly before her 11th birthday. They made the decision to donate her organs, and because of this, four people have a second chance at life. Her story inspired me to write this epinion. Her daughter's spirit lives on in this article, and in all the people who have made the decision to save lives... thank you.
Please visit this web site for more information about becoming a donor: http://www.organdonor.gov/signup.html ... and please, talk with your family members about it.
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