There Are Parts of Me that are Excellent!

Did you know that you could save or improve the life of 50 very sick people by being an organ and tissue donor? There is no age limit to being a donor. Nearly everyone can donate tissues or organs or both. Do not assume that you are not healthy enough to donate. Organ transplant teams can decide that at the time of death.

Over 28,000 transplants are performed every year in the United States, however over 100,000 people are on the waiting list and 11 more are added every minute. One third will die before receiving an organ.

Although kidneys are the most commonly transplanted organ, surgical teams can also replace a failing heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, small intestine, heart valves, skin, bone, connective tissue, veins, eyes, and corneas.

There are some misconceptions about organ donation. Isn’t it a hassle for the grieving family to arrange donation? No. A simple form is all that is necessary. In fact drivers licenses of post trauma patients are already filled out for donation. Some families worry about an open casket funeral after organ donation. When the surgical staff removes the organs, the body appears not to have changed. Donation also does not cost the family extra money.

Becoming a donor is easy.

On your drivers license there is a place for being an organ donor under your vital statistics. Most of us have filled out a form when we have renewed our driver’s license. It is important to talk to your family about your wish to be a donor, so they can express your wishes if you cannot.

If you have not signed up already, here’s how, from the Washington State website:

•In person. Tell us you want to register as a donor when you apply for your driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card. The donor symbol will be placed on your license or identification card, and your name will be sent to the organ donor registry.

•Online. Visit www.donatelifetoday.com and add your name to the registry on the organ donor website.

•By mail. Mail a letter with your name and address to the organ donor registry:
 Donate Life Today Registry

11245 SE 6th Street, Ste 100

Bellevue, WA 98004

For more information about organ donation, visit the Donate Life Today website at www.donatelifetoday.com or contact them at:

Email:

info@donatelifetoday.com

Information can also be found on the organ donation site www.donatelife.net.

The great joy of giving at a time of sorrow is knowing that your loved one will help somebody else in need. It is often a rewarding experience for the grieving family. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

This is one of a series of articles from Shape up Vashon. Visit us at

www.shapeupvashon.org
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