Talk About Organ Donation With Your Family

Please take a minute and talk to your family and friends about organ donation. There are so many people who are desperately waiting for life saving organs. Those of us in the world of waiting or having received an organ transplant know a lot about this subject but the everyday person doesn't hear much. It is something we just don't like to think about and then when the time comes and some tragedy hits our family(ies) we are in too great of a state of shock to make a clear decision.

Many listed patients die waiting for a transplant. Many, like Fiona, have to get sicker and sicker to qualify for a transplant simply because of the shortage of organs. Even though some look at these people simply as statistics or acceptable casualties, each one is a loved member of a family. Each as precious as the next.

Talk to you family and friends. Your conversation now could save a lot of lives later. One day you or one of your family members might need a transplant! This isn't just something that happens to someone else. This isn't just something that happens to people who might be abusing their bodies with alcohol or drugs. This is something that can happen to anyone. If everyone donated their organs it could change the lives of thousands waiting for livers, hearts, lungs, kidneys, bone marrow, corneas, tissue, stem cells and blood. Fiona is waiting for someone to give the gift of life to save her life. With the sad reality that someone dies to save you, it only makes this so much more precious.

No one wants to think about dying. No one wants to think about losing a loved one and as most parents would agree the thought of losing a child is unbearable. But some subjects are too important not to discuss. We must take action. Each of us can save a life. If we talk to our friends and they talk to their friends the message will get out there and more and more lives can be saved.

If you want to learn more please look at this simply written book on transplant. http://www.transplantexperience.com/pdf/InsideStory.pdf

Or visit C.L.A.S.S. Children's Liver Association for Support Services that our family volunteers for: http://classkids.org/

How to be an organ and tissue donor: http://www.organdonor.gov/donor/index.htm
Remember just putting the donor sticker on your driver's license isn't enough. Anyone in your family can override your wishes when you die. Be sure your family knows you want to be an organ donor! Many states have organ donation registries available.

Basics of Organ Donation including religious beliefs: http://organdonor.gov/donation/index.htm

Sign your ogran donation card today!

Fiona and Peggy