The Gift of Life

The month of April hosted Easter, celebrated by Christians all around the world. But April also hosts a lesser-known celebration for life awareness. The National Donate Life Awareness Month raises awareness about the critical need for organ and tissue donations. Donating life-saving organs and tissues can make an incredible difference in the lives of others. Thousands of people in our country are waiting for transplants.

An organ donation is one of the most selfless acts one can make. For some, a transplant is their only hope for survival. I read that an average of 20 people die every day waiting for an organ transplant. Right now, over 100,000 people in the U.S. are on the national transplant waiting list. With such a long waiting list, every single donor has the potential to save multiple lives.
Did you know a single organ donor can help up to eight people? Eight people! Tissue donations can help up to 75! That’s a lot of help from one donor.

I remember seeing the movie Seven Pounds with Will Smith about 15 years ago. I was totally taken by surprise at the ending when he donated his organs to chosen individuals. The impact of that movie and the passion of the donor have stayed with me all these years. I was amazed at how selflessly he chose to live.

The thought of “dismantling” my organs sent chills up my spine to the point I only wanted to donate my corneas. Having settled in my heart that I could do so much more, I have since opted for a complete donation. I rationalized that my soul will be in heaven when I leave this earth, but perhaps my body can be used as gain for those who remain.

I’m not trying to be morbid here. Just sharing how I feel. I know many of you can’t talk about this or even think about it, but give yourself permission to do so. You don’t have to discuss it with anyone right now. You can make your own personal decision, but you have to register as an organ donor if you decide it is something you wish to do. Then you will need to share your decision with your family.

Turning to scripture, I found a conversation between God and Job. Job says, “You have granted me life and lovingkindness; and Your care has preserved my spirit.” God grants us all life. Maybe we could give thanks to Him through our death by restoring life to someone else?

Registering as an Organ Donor

It’s simple, really, and only takes a few minutes. There are two options in Alabama. The first one is to register online through the Legacy of Hope website. Legacy of Hope is a non-profit organization that is federally designated as the organ procurement organization for the state of Alabama. They work closely with hospitals, medical personnel, and donor families. Education to the public is a big part of their mission, trying to break down barriers and show the benefits of donor registration.
The second option is to register as an organ donor through the state’s official website when applying for or renewing a driver’s license. That’s what I did.
By registering as an organ donor, your wishes are known and respected in the event of your death. It is important to understand that organ donation is only considered after efforts have been exhausted to save a patient’s life.

The Impact You Can Have

Organ donations save lives, offering up a second chance. Maybe it’s a mother whose kidney transplant allows her to watch her children grow up, or a veteran who regains his vision. Maybe it’s a young child who has lived gasping for breath most of their life, and a new heart provides sufficient circulation and oxygen.

On the flip side, families who have lost a loved one gain a sense of comfort knowing of their loved one’s life-saving contribution.

A Few Final Thoughts

Organ and tissue donations do not disfigure the body. An open casket funeral is possible if desired.
There is no financial cost to the donor’s family or estate.
People of all ages and medical histories can be potential donors. Medical history will be reviewed at the time of death to determine what donations can be made.
Respect and compassion are always used.
For more information or to register as an organ donor in Alabama, speak to your local Department of Motor Vehicles or visit the Legacy of Hope website at https://legacyofhope.org.