So today is a day for celebrating those that have donated organs and saved the lives of countless others. Being that is
This is a project near and dear to my heart as my aunt received the gift of life through a donation two years ago this month. I am so thankful that she is doing well and that she was given the gift of life. She is enjoying watching her children and grandchildren grow up. She hosts the dreaded family reunions that always end up being fun, full of great food and where we actually reconnect with the people who are the most important in our life, family. It makes my heart full of happiness to know she is doing so well and for that, I am truly thankful.
By registering to become an organ, eye and tissue donor, you could help more 75 people – and that’s not counting the lives that those 75 people touch. 95% of Americans are in favor of being an organ donor, but only 58% are registered. Please register to become a donor so that your wishes can be carried out and that you might bring happiness to another family in need.
Here are some questions and answers I found on the donate life website:
Who can be a donor?
People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissues can be donated.
Does my religion support organ, eye and tissue donation?
All major religions support donation as a final act of compassion and generosity.
Is there a cost to be an organ, eye and tissue donor?
There is no cost to the donor’s family or estate for donation. The donor family pays only for medical expenses before death and the costs associated with funeral arrangements.
Does donation affect funeral plans?
An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process, the body is treated with care and respect. Funeral arrangements can continue as planned following donation.
Does registering as a donor change my patient care?
Your life always comes first. Doctors work hard to save every patient’s life, but sometimes there is a complete and irreversible loss of brain function. The patient is declared clinically and legally dead. Only then is donation an option.
Does my social and/or financial status play any part in whether or not I will receive an organ if I ever need one?
No. A national system matches available organs from the donor with people on the waiting list based on blood type, body size, how sick they are, donor distance, tissue type and time on the list. Race, income, gender, celebrity and social status are never considered.
Why is it important for people of every community to donate?
Although donation and transplantation can take place successfully between individuals from different racial or ethnic groups, transplant success is often better when organs are matched between people of the same racial or ethnic background.
People of African American/Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native and multiracial descent currently make up nearly 58% of individuals on thenational organ transplant waiting list. These communities are in great need of more organ and tissue donors.
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