When I was very young, I thought the idea of organ donation was gross. Then, when I was still quite young in fact, I had a child. And that changed everything. When I would read stories about children with illnesses, whose lives were saved by organ donations, through my tears I would think, How dare I even think about taking an organ for my child, if I am not willing to give mine? And I soon became an organ donor. I made sure that my family knew of my wishes. Although John hates to discuss it, he knows how I feel, and knows that I fully intend to come back and haunt him if he does not honor my wishes.
While sorting through a patient's admission paperwork, I noticed that she had specifically opted NOT to donate her organs. And I just do not understand that. Why? How can you deprive someone of a chance at life by keeping organs that you no longer need? They will rot away. And thus, someone who could've lived for many more years, may die because of that decision.
What if it were your loved one who needed the organ or tissue? Like Hallie's Dad. Hallie over at Wonderful World of Weiners, of course. Her dad would not be with them today, if not for the kindness of a stranger. She is currently doing a raffle to raise money for organ donation, and it is HUGE. It's just her way of giving back, as her Dad was given back to her family.
My friend Lori at The Queen's New Throne has a friend who is waiting for a liver. Their lives are on hold while they wait for that call saying they have the liver she needs.
Read some of the stories here. Think about how you would feel if your life, or the life of someone you love, was hanging in the balance, waiting for an organ, while so many people are being buried with their perfectly good organs inside of them. Thirteen people die every day in the US waiting on an organ transplant. Don't wait until it's too late. Become an organ donor now!
Are you an Organ Donor? If not, please tell me why not? I'm honestly interested.
