SHOULD YOU BECOME AN

ORGAN DONOR?

Should YOU be an organ donor?

Have you been wondering whether you should sign up as an organ donor? This power point was designed to answer the most common questions and concerns of people who are debating this very important issue.

Are there really that many people that need organs?

Each day 100 people are added to the National Transplant Waiting List. They are suffering and fighting to keep alive while trying to remain hopeful that someone will unselfishly give the gift of an organ that will save and or enhance their lives (Lifeline of Ohio).

Nick is a married, 45 year old plant worker who waited two years for a life saving organ transplant. During this time he and his family agonized over his fate.

He has three children who he was unable to provide for economically and emotionally. Thankfully Nick received his transplant and is now fully recovered and back to work and back to spending time with his dear family.

Meet Jenny Black. She is a 33 year old mother of three and is presently waiting and praying for a donor for her life threatening organ need. Her mother is staying at her home caring for her husband and three little girls.

Here is sweet Alexa. At 7 years old she was

diagnosed with lung disease. She joined the organ waiting list at 12 while she was continually on oxygen at home or in the hospital. She would joyfully talk of the things she would do after the transplant: dancing, getting her black belt, and learning to drive. The call to save her life never came. Her life ended at 14 while waiting for her transplant.

With medical technology, won’t these people be alright until their organ becomes available?

18 people, just like Alexa, die every day because the organ that they needed was not available (Gupa, Sanjay).

What can be used for organ donation?

There are several different organs that can be donated and transplanted. The heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines can all be used. Tissues can also be used as well as the eyes, the corneas, the heart valves, the blood vessels, along with the bones, and the ligaments, and bone cartilage. It is possible for over 50 people to be helped from one donor (Donate Life America).

Aren’t there already enough people that are donating their organs?

Most people think that there are enough organ donor volunteers already. The fact is that although 95% of Americans support organ donor donation, only 52% of Americans have actually signed up to be an organ donor. Of all the deaths in America, only 2-3% are able to be used to help with organ donation (Joralemon, Donald ).

Will I be able to have an open casket at my funeral if I am an organ donor?

Yes you will. Organ donation is a very careful surgical procedure. It is done by professionals and they are very cautious about how and where they make the incisions. The incisions are usually then hidden under clothes.

If I become an organ donor, will my family have any costs?

No, there are no costs at all to the donor’s family for organ and tissue donation. Transplant recipients and their health insurance pay for all of the costs of the donations.

Is it difficult to become an organ donor?

Actually it is pretty easy. When renewing your driver’s license, inform the DMV that you desire to be a donor. In North Carolina they will indicate your wishes with a small heart on your driver’s license. This is an identification of a organ donor. You can also get a donor card at the hospital to carry in your purse or wallet. Most importantly, inform your family of your decision and your wishes for when you die.

What if I do not want to donate everything?

You can specify on your donor card and your license what organs and tissues you want donated and which ones you do not wish to donate.

What if I change my mind about being a donor?

You can go to the Department of Motor

Vehicles and request a new license without the donor identification on it. You can throw away your donor card from the hospital and alert the hospital, your doctor, and your family that you no longer wish to be a donor.

Is there a minimum or a maximum age for donors?

It is a person’s physical condition that is

important, not their age. A doctor will evaluate each potential donor at the time of passing to determine if their organs and or tissue is suitable for donation. If you are under the age of 18 you will need permission from your parents.

Is organ donation against my religion?

Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most religions. This includes Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism, and Islam. If you are unsure of or uncomfortable with your faith’s position please consult with a member of your clergy (Donate Life America).

Do most of the transplants go to the people who are the richest, most famous, and powerful?

No, not at all. The rich and famous are NOT given any type of priority when on a list for an organ transplant. It may seem that way when they get a transplant because of all of the publicity that celebrities receive. In reality they are given no more preference than anyone else. The United Network For Organ Sharing oversees the transplants donations to ensure that they are fair.

The ultimate decision is up to you! You have the potential to save and enhance the lives of others … those who suffer from debilitating diseases and from the effects of traumatic events.

Work Cited Gupta, Sanjay. The Gift of Life TIME, 3 Apr. 2005. Web.14

Nov 2009. < http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,981358,00.html html>.

Joralemon, Donald. “Organ Wars: Battle for Body Parts.” Medical AnthropologyQuarterly 9.3 (1995): 335-56. Joyner Library. Web. 14 Nov. 2009.   <http://www.jstor.org/stable/649344>.

Lifeline of Ohio N.p., 2008. Web. 14 Nov. 2009. <http://www.lifelineofohio.org/donation/resources/statistics.aspx>.

The Organ Donation Process Through a Review of the Literature. Donate Life AmericaN.p., 2009. Web. 14 Nov. 2009. <http://www.donatelife.net/index.php>.