Organ Donation .. A Gift!
By jennybianca
@jennybianca (12912)
Australia
May 8, 2007 8:18am CST
How do you feel about organ donation? How does your country obtain organs for the living who desperately need them?
This story has a special meaning for me, which I will relate a little further on.
A last minute decision to donate organs, meant a speciliast retrieval team flew from Sydney to Adelaide to collect donor
transplant organs.
They team arrived in Adelaide at 8.00 am & were given a police escort through Adelaide.
Roads were closed to allow fast transport. In under two hours, the organs were retrieved and the team was back at Adelaide Airport. This received media coverage.
This story has a special meaning for me. About two months ago, my first cousin, exactly the same age as me (49) suddenly died of a brain hemorage. This was a huge shock to our family.
Seven of her organs were donated to seven people, who are now benefiting from my cousins generosity & forethought.
Organ donation is completely voluntary in Australia, & must be clearly stated by the donor before death. I have had organ donor put on my drivers license for about twenty years.
There is a significant shortage of all organs needed.
8 people like this
13 responses
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
8 May 07
I have carried an organ donor card for years now and all my family and friends are aware of my wishes. I hve always felt that if my organs can give someone else a chance of life, then I would rather they had that chance. I feel that more people should carry donor cards, it would help the medical services save time by being able to take when they need quickly to save another life
4 people like this
@KissThis (3003)
• United States
8 May 07
I made the choice of being an organ donor when I was just a teenager. I explained how I felt to my mom and asked her that if something was to happen to me would she please allow my organs to save someone elses life. Since I have gotten my license I have also had it marked for donating my organs. I have talked to my family about donating my organs when I am gone as well. I also have a signed letter in my medical file at both the doctors office and hospital in case someone tries to go against my wishes. It important for all of us to do what we can to save lives.
3 people like this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
9 May 07
They saw it is a good idea not only to have it on your drivers license, but also to talk to your family about it. Good Comment.
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
8 May 07
here in Minnesota when we get our Drivers License we are asked if we wish to be donors. Then if we say yes on the license is the words "organ donor". That's how we do it here.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
3 people like this
@charms88 (7538)
• Philippines
8 May 07
I have to say that I haven't plan about donating my organs. I was living a very hectic lifestyle and felt that I might have abuse my organs tremendously, LOL! But I was very touched with what your cousin did. She may not be here on this earth but she was able to help seven people to continue their lives.
Organ donation in my country is not that popular yet. I have heard some horror stories like some agencies will scout poor people and ask for organ donation at a measly sum of money. Organ donation should be done voluntarily. But these poor people will readily agreed just so they can have money to feed their families.
3 people like this
@prestocaro (1251)
• United States
8 May 07
I am an organ donor as well. Here in the states it is voluntary as well. I believe parents or spouses can make the decision for the patient if they die unexpectedly. Why wouldn't I want someone to be able to benefit from something I no longer need? Especially something so important!
3 people like this
@kawaiijamichan (773)
• Philippines
8 May 07
donating an organ will be a huge help for those who are in need. I knew people who have donated and wish to donate their organs are blessed for their generosity. Its great how people can help each other by this, people who have received those organs have a new life to begin with. Just like yours it is also indicated in drivers license if you want to become a organ donor.
3 people like this
@brendalee (6082)
• United States
9 May 07
I am sorry for the loss of your cousin. But its great that her spirit will live on in the lives she help save. That is a wonderful thing to do. I don't have a drivers liscense so I am not officially an organ donor but my family knows my wishes.
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
9 May 07
I have had it on my drivers licence for the past 15 years. If my spare parts are not too worn out I would like to think of them helping to give someone a chance of life.
2 people like this
@mommy2jason922 (529)
• United States
9 May 07
I am proud to say that i am an organ donor! well at least when i pass away i will be! i do donate plasma though. but when i do die anything that they can take they can have. its not like im going to use it! i have been keeping my body healthy just for that! they can take my heart, lungs, eyes, kidneys, liver, blood, anything they can use.
1 person likes this
@Nicivixen (5)
• United States
9 May 07
I fully support organ donation. In Michigan you can sign up on the states website. Why should I hold onto something I wont need once I die. Im also a blood donor for basicaly the same reason. I have plenty of blood and Im more than willing to share it.
2 people like this
@sugarfloss (2139)
• Malaysia
5 Jul 07
I am PRO organ donation,thank you very much.From the story you've written,I believe everyone should register as an organ donor.You might not know who you'll help.thanks jennybianca for the facts!
