Health Ministries
April
Is National Donate Life Month
Each
organ and tissue donor saves or improves the lives of as many as 50 people.
Giving the “Gift of Life” may lighten the grief of the donor’s own
family. Many donor
families say that knowing other lives have been saved helps them cope with their
tragic loss.
All
people of all ages should consider themselves potential organ and tissue donors.
There are few absolute exclusions (HIV positive, active cancer, systemic
infection) and no strict upper or lower age limits.
Potential donors will be evaluated for suitability when the occasion
arises.
No
one is too old or too young.
Both newborns and senior citizens have been organ donors. The condition
of your organs is more important than age.
Someone 35 years old with a history of alcohol abuse may have a liver
that is in worse condition than someone 60 years old who has never consumed
alcohol. In addition,
people on the waiting list might need to be transplanted with an organ that is
less than ideal if there is no other suitable organ available in time to save
their lives. Doctors
will examine your organs and determine whether they are suitable for donation if
the situation arises. If
you are under 18, you will need the permission of a parent or guardian to
donate.
You
may still be able to donate your organs.
Doctors will evaluate the condition of your organs when the time arises.
The transplant team’s decision will be based on a combination of
factors, such as the type of illness you have had, your physical condition at
the time of your death, and the types of organs and tissues that would be
donated.
Designate
your decision on your driver’s license when
you obtain or renew your license.
Talk
to your family now about your donation decision.
Help your family understand your wish to be an organ and tissue donor
before a crisis occurs. Then
they will be prepared to serve as your advocate for donation.
Source:
http://organdonor.gov/
Courtesy
of your Health Ministry Team, Elizabeth Austin, Facilitator
Pat McCurry, Parish Nurse, Minister of Visitation
Contact Pat McCurry, R.N., if you need
visitation, resource information, and/or a consultation.
Phone: 488-2878 - Email: birdsong26@msn.com