Why Should You Register as an organ donor?

Almost 120,000 organ donors are needed.

I signed up as an organ donor years ago. Most likely, it was when I got my license. I really didn't think about it. My parents and friends were probably registered.

Fast forward 40 years. Organ and tissue donation became personal.  My cousin was in kidney failure and needed a transplant.

Immediately, I ruled myself out because I thought that I was too old (learn why I wasn't on my "about" page).

I checked my license to look for a note about being an organ donor. Technology advances have replaced the form on the back with a scannable fingerprint. I was probably still on an organ donor registry, but had moved and married. Would an address and name change make it more complicated? If something happened, and no one could speak for me, would someone take the time to scan my license and know my wishes?

I visited my driver's license site and learned that a small red heart icon is printed on the front of organ donors' licenses. Mine didn't have one, so I ordered an update. I also made sure to tell my family and friends my wishes. As I started talking about this, I learned that several people I knew had received tissue transplants. My grandmother had cornea transplants, a friend had a new ACL and another had plastic surgery after serious burns.

However, I was shocked to learn that many people die everyday because there aren't enough life-saving organs.  According to DonateLife.net, "95% of Americans are in favor of being a donor but only 54% are registered." Click here to visit Donate Life's website.

Since my cousins' kidney transplant, she has become a grandmother.   Now, she takes care of her grandson.  She looks great and feels incredible.

On the other hand,I have a friend who has been dialysis for over 5 years.  He is exhausted and is now on disability.  Three times a week, he spends hours hooked up to machines.  Dialysis doesn't last forever. He needs a transplant soon.

TWEETABLE
"95% of Americans are in favor of being a donor, but only 54% are registered." DonateLife.net  (Click to tweet)
 
What do you think can be done to help to meet the need for more organ donors?

Why do people donate kidneys to strangers?

Seems strange to many.  Why would someone choose to undergo lengthy testing and an unnecessary operation in order to donate to a stranger?

I've met several of these people.  They're referred to as altruistic donors.  Many of them will respond to the question above with the same response, "Why Not?"

Amazing.  Listen to a few of them in this Youtube video.  Click here to learn why some people choose to donate.

Recently, I connected with Ned Brooks,an altruistic donor who shared his rationale at a  TEDx event. Click here to watch Ned Brooks explain why, at age 65, he chose to donate to a stranger.

Here's something else that's cool.  Many of these people continue to promote living kidney donation.  Ned is the founder of Donor to Donor. Visit www.donortodonor.com to learn how they help End Stage Renal Disease patients find compatible donors.

What would you like to know about kidney donation?

Transplant Thursday-So You Are Thinking About Donating

Are you curious about donating a kidney to someone? Welcome. I donated to my cousin almost two years ago.  I would never have considered myself donor material. Most of that is due to the incorrect image that I had of donors. Once I talked with my cousin, I learned that I just might be eligible.

According to the Living Kidney Donors Network, a living donor must be physically fit, in good health, free from high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease and heart disease.

Individuals considered for living donation are usually between 18-60 years of age. (Living donors older than 65 years of age have successfully donated.)

Routine tests are always performed to determine not only the potential donor's level of physical and mental health, but also their compatibility with the patient awaiting a transplant. Results of these tests will determine if someone could donate.

Living donation occurs only when there is informed consent that is freely given. This means, you should agree to be a living donor only after you have been fully educated on the subject, its risks and rewards, and when your agreement to donate is without pressure from other people.

So, if you are the least bit curious, here are 5 important things to know:  Many people say that they are going to get tested, but not all do.  For many, the reasons are the result of a lack of information.

1. Your initial questions can be answered by the hospital's transplant coordinator. Call the hospital where your friend/loved one/etc. is registered. 
2. From the moment that you speak to any of medical professionals until the moment that they wheel you in for surgery (if you choose to go that far), you are under no obligation to donate.   As a matter of fact, every person that is involved in your screening and testing will tell you that. 
3. The testing and transplant is covered under the recipient's insurance at no cost to him/her.
4. Once you pass the initial screening, you will be assigned your own donor transplant team.  They do not meet with/consult/collaborate with the recipient's team.  This ensures that your wishes are honored.
5. Here's my favorite: Most kidney transplant surgeries are done as a laparoscopy.  This means small incisions and great recovery time.

Check back each week for the next installment in Transplant Thursday.  I'll include information about the steps in donating so that you can make an informed decision. In the meantime, write a comment below. Tell me a little about the reason why you're considering donating.  I'd love to hear your story! 

Milestone Monday-Taking Transplant Stories on the Road

My recipient, Denise Brown, and I are approaching the second anniversary of our kidney transplant.  It has been life changing for both of us.  Previously, I shared the wonderful news that Denise has just become a grandmother.  It's a thrill to know that she's healthy enough to take care of her grandson.

This weekend, I had my first official speaking engagement about our kidney transplant journey. Our church's (St. Pius X Catholic Church, Conyers, Georgia) women's group invited me to speak at our Advent by Candlelight program.  It was an honor to be among them and share the transplant journey.

I enjoyed connecting with several of them after the presentation.  Many of them have been reluctant to register as an organ donor on their license. There were several misconceptions.

I was thankful that in addition to information from The Living Kidney Donor Network, I also had material from Donate Life Georgia.

This season, I am grateful for my own health.  Many are not so lucky.  Until there is a cure for kidney disease, I will continue to speak to as many groups as individuals about the critical need for more donors.

What about you? Do you belong to a group that would benefit in learning more?  I would love to talk to you about booking an event.  Click here for my email.  I usually respond within 24 hours.

P.S. Are you registered as an organ donor? If not, click here to learn more.

On the Kidney Transplant List?

It's torture when you are waiting to hear that an organ's available. 

You've probably done everything that your coordinator has recommended. What else can you do? 

The Living Kidney Donor Network has ideas to help you create a social media campaign. Click here to visit their page. 

Need help getting started? Leave a comment. Maybe I can help.

Waiting for Someone to Rescue me from Kidney Failure

I hear you.  Yesterday's session in Nashville, "How to Have Your Donor Find YOU!" was an opportunity to meet some of you.Click here to see the clip with Harvey.

 The wait is discouraging. The statistics are overwhelming. And, you're tired.  Many of you have been on dialysis and spend more that half of your week exhausted. Kidney disease is affecting every organ in your body.

There is hope.  The Living Kidney Donor Network provides information to help you find a donor.  Harvey Mysel, director of the network said something that rang true for me.

There are people who are willing to be living donors.  The way to reach them is TELL YOUR STORY.  That's how I was moved to step forward for my cousin.

We lived 900 miles apart. It had been over 35 years since we'd seen each other.  It wasn't until she started telling her story that I reconnected.

Click here to visit the website, www.lkdn.org to learn more. Reach out to Harvey. Keep telling your story. Hang in there.

Take your prescriptions or else (the rest of the Facebook post)

Click here to see part one of "Prescriptions are Important"

(also known as How I got lost in a restaurant booth)


Who could have guessed that leaving my glasses at home would have caused such a disruption?  In my attempt to be a few minutes early for a lunch meeting, I left my glasses at home.

I have been wearing prescription glasses for over ten years, so it felt funny when I arrived at the restaurant.  I glanced at my phone to see if I had any messages. That's when it hit me.  I didn't have them.

Too late to go home.  I'd miss the meeting.  So, I decided to do the best that I could. Problem was, no one else showed up. The text on my phone screen was blurry at best.  I couldn't pull up the number, because it was on an email.  Oh, and I couldn't see to enter my password.  Bad to worse.

Fifteen minutes passed and I went ahead and got a booth. The waitress mentions that since they are part of a franchise, my friends might be at the other location.  Graciously,  they call and ask if there is a party waiting for me.  (Yes, it does sound that weird to say that out loud).  No, they inform me, there's no one there looking for me.

Still puzzled about the time mix-up, I decide to leave a tip for my troubles and head home.  That's when I thought I heard someone whisper.  Maybe it was just my insecurity, but I thought for sure I heard, "Do you think she can make it home?" By the way, my dear officer friends, my vision is not that bad yet.  I can drive without them. It's the small print that gets me.

When I got home and called my friend, he reminded me that we had rescheduled the meeting for the following week.  Oops.  I learned several lessons that day: 1. check emails frequently 2. It's okay to admit that I really need my glasses.

What about you? Have you ever found yourself feeling lost or frustrated? Tell me what happened. I'd love to know.

You Can Change the World

What can anyone do with all of the problems in the world?  News this week reminded us of the reality of fear and rage.
What can I do?  This week confirmed what I know to be true. I can choose to love.  I can donate life. Donating a kidney to my cousin changed more lives than just the two of us.

I've been in Cleveland, Ohio with Donate Life Team Georgia.  We joined  the group of over 6,000 people here at the Transplant Games of America.  People of every race, age and size competed in Olympic events to prove that transplanted organs and tissues change lives. These people aren't just surviving. They are thriving.

I'll update later.  I've got to catch a plane back to Atlanta.  Check out my facebook page for photos and info.  In the meantime, are you a donor?  If not, visit this site to learn more:

2016 Tranpslant Games, Here I come!

I can't wait to join the other thousands of donors, recipients and families at the Cleveland Convention Center.   What an amazing event to celebrate the journey, struggles and accomplishments of all of those involved. Headed out to join the rest of Donate Life's group: Team Georgia 2016 Tranpslant Games of America!

Stay tuned.  I plan to share many stories.
You can't take them with you. Click to learn more.

Donating your organs makes a difference

It did for my friend, Mari. Like you, she was leading a normal life.  A freak accident changed the course of her life forever.  Thank goodness that someone registered as an organ donor.

Click to learn why she'll probably medal again at this year's Tranpslant Games.

 

How can I ask for a kidney?

Simple? Yes.  Easy? No.  If you are headed for kidney failure, you may feel terrified.  If your doctors recommend that you pursue a kidney transplant, you may feel that it is impossible to ask anyone to consider going under the knife.  Instead of asking, tell. Tell your story.  Begin by letting your friends and family know what is going on.  Many times, this generates interest in getting tested as a possible kidney donor. Keep sharing your story.  Read about the National Kidney Foundation's campaign, #The Big Ask, The Big Give to find out how you can increase your chances of finding a compatible donor. Click here to learn more.