Donate Life

Are You An Organ Donor? April is National Donate Life Month. Do you know the facts, or have you heard the myths? Let’s focus on the former.

Currently more than 120,000 people are on a transplant list; a transplant that will save lives. On average, 115 people are added to the list each day — that’s one every 13 minutes. Also, an average of 66 people received transplants every day either from a living or deceased donor. More than 2,200 children under the age of 18 are on the transplant list.

One organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people and enhance the lives of many more. According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS):

• 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.

• Organs and tissues that can be donated include the heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, corneas, skin, tendons, bone and heart valves.

• There is no national registry of organ donors. Even if you have indicated your wishes on your driver’s license or a donor card, your family will be consulted before donation can take place, so make sure you’re on the same page.

• All major religions approve of organ and tissue donation and consider donation the greatest gift.

• An open-casket funeral is possible for organ and tissue donors.

Itís never too late to sign up. Even though this is the month to promote this life-saving campaign, organ donation is something you should talk about with your family and friends throughout the year.

There are many ways to register to become an organ donor. You can start by signing up next time you renew your driver’s license. Go to www.unos.org, www.donatelifeflorida.org or www.donatelife.net for information. Don’t let the myths deter you from signing up. Be educated and educate others. You could just save someone’s life. 
~ Maureen Budjinski