When people think about organ donation, likely the first thing to come to mind is the DMV. When a person gets a government issued license, one of the many questions asked is, “Do you want to be an organ donor?” It might catch some people off guard and make them hesitate—it’s a significant topic that is breezed over with just a quick question. I, on the other hand, answered with a confident “Yes!” when I encountered the ever-so-important question. Organ donation holds a special place in my heart, as it saved my Uncle Bud’s life 24 years ago. He was given the gift of life and received a heart transplant when he was 27 years old. This heart changed his life for the better and allowed him to live a spontaneous life of adventure for an additional 21 years. “Yes” was an obvious choice for me, but for some people, it can be a harder decision. Let me share some of the many benefits of organ donation.
According to OrganDonor.gov, a single donation can save eight lives and enhance more than 75 more. This means that a single person has the ability to impact 83 lives in a positive way. In 2022 alone more than 40,000 successful transplants were performed in the United States. That being said, the waiting list for transplants is long and only grows day by day. Currently, 105,800 people are on the national transplant waiting list.
The numbers can be convincing, but let’s talk about some common misconceptions about organ donation. As I mentioned before, you have the ability to self-identify as an organ donor on your driver’s license. Despite this identification, the decision ultimately comes down to your loved ones when the time comes. It’s important to have a conversation with them about your wishes on the matter. A statistic from UFHealth.org states that 90% of adults support organ donation but only 58% are registered. So next time you have to go to the dreaded DMV, make sure your license displays your support and mention it to your loved ones as well.
Other misconceptions about organ donation sometimes turn people away from the idea. People sometimes assume they are unable to donate and would be considered ineligible for a variety of reasons. In reality, this generally is not the case. Identifying as an organ donor covers not only organs but tissue as well—which can be just as important to recipients. People also have a misconception that if you are registered to be a donor, hospital staff will not work as hard to save you in a life-threatening situation. The Mayo Clinic responds to this common myth by stating that hospital staff works to save your life, not the life of others, and that organ donor status will certainly not affect your care and treatment. Another note—no religion forbids organ donation.
April is designated as Organ Donation Awareness Month. Take some time this month to discuss your wishes with your family. My family is forever grateful for the gift of life given to us many years ago!
Tori Sarver is an intern for KC Parent. She is studying strategic communications with a business minor at CU Boulder.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.