Currently there are 91,626 Americans on a waiting list to receive donated organs and or tissues which include: bones, bone marrow, corneas, eyes, veins, hearts, intestines, kidneys, livers, lungs, pancreases, skin, blood, plasma, and tendons. Some individuals have been on this list for hours while others have been on for years. Not to mention, many will die while waiting on this list. This is why it is important for individuals of different ethnicities, (especially minorities) to make the important decision to become an organ/tissue donor. People are in need of an organ or tissue transplants for many different reasons. Some are born with congenital defects, while others incur injuries to the particular organ/tissue over time. There are also individuals who have survived or suffer from various types of cancer or other major illnesses which have left parts of their body unable to fulfill the functions necessary for survival. For example, a person with kidney disease relies on a dialysis machine for survival until a donor kidney is available.
There are many myths that surround organ donation.Could it be that perhaps these myths lead to the low occurrence of individuals willing to give the gift of life? It is important to realize that making the decision to donate your organs does not cause any type of mutilation to your body, have an age limit (although minors need parental/guardian consent), or cost anything to the donor.
In addition to that, organ donors reserve all rights to choose which organs or tissues they want to make available for donation. (An individual can also choose to donate their organs/body to science to be used for research and teaching purposes). Once someone decides to become an organ donor it is his/her responsibility to notify someone of their wishes. This can be done by talking with a family member, someone you trust, or simply signing a donor registration card. Many states offer the opportunity to sign a donor card while applying for a license or identification card and often give you some type of notification to carry on your person.
The extensive demand and the inadequate supply of organs and tissues available for donation is a startling fact. Although many people need the benefits, not many are willing to make the sacrifice. Thousands of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, etc. are currently on a waiting list to receive organs. It is also sad to say that many are added daily.
There is no greater gift a person can either give or receive than the gift of life. Remember, making the decision to become an organ/tissue donor can be one of the most important decisions of your life. For more information contact www.organdonor.gov or www.shareyourlife.org, and www.cdc.gov.