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?

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:

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.