What an organ donation means to 1 woman

[okarol]

What an organ donation means to 1 woman

Virginia Davis

August 12, 2007

Chicago Tribune

Twenty-two years ago this month, a 17-year-old boy lost his life in a motorcycle accident. Twenty-two years ago, a grieving family put aside its unspeakable anguish to sign a paper granting permission to remove his organs for donation.

One can only speculate on how many lives were ultimately saved in that moment.

I can only say with certainty that mine is one of them.

This month, my kidney and I celebrate our 22nd "birthday" together.

My unknown donor would have turned 39 this year. Who knows what potential was lost along with that young life that fateful August day?

The what-ifs about his life make it a bittersweet anniversary for me.

But then I wonder: What if I never received this miracle?

With a supportive husband and this special gift, I now have two grown children, two jobs that I love and a pretty darned good life. Every accomplishment, tiny or grand, over the past 22 years has served as a testimonial to the purposefulness of organ donation.

The United Network for Organ Sharing estimates that more than 58,000 Americans await a kidney transplant. Fewer than 15,000 each year get one; 2,800 others die waiting.

Please celebrate with me this year by signing the back of your driver's license and discussing your decision with your family.

To learn more about donating organs, the Web site www.unos.org is among the most comprehensive clearinghouse resource, providing state-by-state updates on waiting lists, survival rates and probabilities of receiving a transplant. Another great resource for patients seeking help is Organ Transplant Support, based in Naperville. Established in 1990 and started by patients like mysef, this group truly espouses its motto, "No one should go through this alone." To learn more, go to www.otsfriends.org.

The gift of life is the ultimate legacy one can pass on. Thank you from the bottom of my . . . kidney.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/health/chi-0812ledeletteraug12,1,6251556.story

[goofynina]

You know, as much "junk mail" that we receive from the postal service, i wish they would start sending out "junk mail" that can do someone some good (LIKE THIS LETTER)    Wow, 22 years, that is awesome 

[Sluff]

Great article Karol Thanks for finding them and sharing them with your IHD family.