be a donor

So I have another quick soapbox to stand on, but I promise it's worth it.

If you're not already an organ doner, please consider it. I know it sounds easy, just signing the back of your driver's license, right? Sort of.
You'd be amazed how many people don't do that. But even more, that signature DOES NOT guarantee that your organs will be donated.

The best way to ensure that you're a donor is to inform your family of your desire to donate. Even better, put it in writing to them. Send a quick email to your spouse or parents. Hospitals will always seek consent of the next of kin before removing organs. If your family members know you wanted to be a donor, it makes it easier for them to give their consent. I know it sounds morbid, but you never know when someone you love (or even you) will be the one in need.

There are many myths out there about organ donation. People think the hospital staff won't work as hard to save their life becuase they can save others with the organs. Nothing could be further from the truth. When you go to the hospital for treatment, the docs are focused on saving your life — not somebody else's. In most cases, you're being treated by staff who have nothing to do with transplants.

My future brother-in-law was lucky enough to receive a pair of lungs this week...without them he would not have survived much longer. Because of his disease (Cystic Fibrosis) he had many strikes against him for the transplant. But thank goodness someone who was a match had made the decision in life to be a donor in death.

Please think about it. And if you want to be a donor, let someone know.

To learn more, visit this site.