The Gift of Life
Imagine the entire city of Olathe anxiously awaiting an organ donation to continue living. Actually, that is roughly how many people nationally are waiting for an organ donation today. And, according to the Mayo Clinic, while they are waiting, 18 of them will die each day. What would you hope for if that were your mother, father, sister, brother, husband, wife or child?
It is easy to say that you would hope for someone to donate their organs at their time of death to save another’s life. In fact, donating is said to be the most loving and generous last gift to others. Unfortunately, asking family members immediately after a loved one has passed is difficult for everyone. That is why it is so important to think about your choices in advance.
Why Donate?
- To save lives. One person can save up to eight lives and improve the quality of life for up to 50.
- It may help your family cope with loss, knowing they helped so many others, especially at their time of sorrow.
How to Become a Donor:
- Register as an organ donor with your state. This can be done at www.OrganDonor.gov by following the instructions on how to become an organ donor.
- Sign the back of your driver’s license.
- Tell family, friends, church leaders or anyone else important to you what your wishes are.
- Include your wishes in an advance directive or living will.
Registering with your state is one of the most important ways to make your wishes known. One may think that telling your family or signing the back of your driver’s license is enough, but ultimately your family will need to make the decision, one that must be made urgently and during a highly emotional time. Sometimes emotions cause families to have difficulty making that decision, and registering will eliminate both the liability from the hospital and guilt from the family. Your wishes will be absolutely clear, because you will have registered in advance.
If you would like more information about organ donation, please visit www.OrganDonor.gov or talk to your personal health care provider. Register today to give the gift of hope and life to others.
Melanie Yunger is a local wife, mother and nurse practitioner who is asking you to think about organ donation.