As we age or watch our parents age, various subjects come to mind. One such thought is becoming an organ donor? I know it sounds morbid and may have some religious barriers to overcome, but read on.
Last year a friend’s adult nephew had a heart transplant. While recouping he met a woman who also received a new heart. The commonality led to friendship and romance. This Christmas they were able to spend it together as a healthy loving couple.
A friend’s teenage son was tragically killed in a car accident. They decided to donate his organs. They were asked if they wanted to know the recipients. About 2 years later they agreed. The woman who received his heart was very excited to thank them if not in person, via mail or email. They agreed to email and soon a beautiful letter with a picture of a vibrant healthy woman in her 40’s came into their inbox. Also was a picture of the same woman looking 15-20 years older, prior to her new heart.
This woman started swimming after her transplant and the exercise revitalized her body and spirit. She felt a new affinity to swimming and wanted to know if their son was a swimmer. Yes, he liked to swim but as far as they knew it wasn’t his favorite sport. They started looking through old pictures and it did seem he was in a pool or the ocean or a lake in pictures from every vacation. Who knows?
On my drivers license under ‘restrictions’, along with ‘corrective lenses’ it also says ‘anatomical donor’. www.organdonor.gov
Organs that can be donated are: heart, liver, lungs, kidneys and others.
Tissues that can be donated include: skin, corneas, heart valves, tendons and others. Cells donated now are showing some great research with cancer. Are you ready to become a donor?
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Add a Comment8 Comments
Thank you, Haralee. Living with a transplant is a different way of life. For the first 10 years, the concerns surround keeping the graft. The second ten years involve juggling the side efffects from all the medeications. a friend asked me early on, why did I not through caution to the wind and live a wild life. Academics is my passion, and allows me to set goals. Having life goals is key.
February 27, 2009 - 7:14amThis Comment
Sounds like you are making the most of your life, something that many people don't do. None of us know how long we have, and you are enjoying life, something else that eludes people.
February 25, 2009 - 10:53amWishing you the best.
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I am an organ recipient. I received my liver in 1993 when I was 20. I was driven, focused and had many difficult career goals for myself. I had even overcome a serious eating disorder in the previous 10 years. But nothing threw a wrench in my life as did the new liver, my new life.
February 25, 2009 - 1:26amI am utterly grateful for my chance to live on borrowed time, however, the path is now without heartache, pain, discouragement and many unforseeable barriers. Since my transplant, I have received a BS and MS in Chemistry, and teach at the community colleges where I live. It is not the life I expected, but it is a great life. I appreciate peace, kindness, favors and the unique conditions we all face more than I ever would have previously.
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With Valentines Day around the corner, it is a good time to think about your heart when you don't need it any more. If, God for bid, you are in an accident, the donation of your heart can save some one else's life. Make sure your family knows of your choices too!
February 7, 2009 - 3:41pmThis Comment
This might be the most procrastinated thing in my life. I have meant to become an organ donor for 10 years now. Just never get around to it. I guess the great part is that if I get it done before I die then there will be no lost time. I am making the commitment to get it done this month.
February 6, 2009 - 5:49pmThis Comment
It really is an individual choice. Many people don't even think about it at all, or discuss their wishes with their family. I think it is important to have a dsicussion about the issue regardless of your own intent.
January 7, 2009 - 4:24pmWith the recent passing of John Travolta's son, I wondered why his organs were not donated. Again it just could be the topic was never discussed and parents losing a child can not be expected to make every decison.
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Thanks so much for posting this information. I've wanted to sign up to become an organ donor for years and never get around to it. I'll be doing it the minute I finish posting this comment - no more excuses for me!
My daughter is 13 and has already shared with us that she wants to donate her organs if anything ever happens to her. We lost our nephew who was also 13 this year and his organs were donated for research - she wants to do the same.
January 6, 2009 - 9:22pmThis Comment
Great Post! I am an Organ Donor as well and encourage everyone to check it out and become a donor!
January 6, 2009 - 7:10pmThis Comment