IMPORTANT: Organ Donation

[Fakebil]

Originally Posted by Pure-Sol I've been a donor since I got my license at 16 and it's been in my living will since I joined the Navy at 19. Every year at Navy bases they hold a big blood drive, so I donate at least once a year. Even if it is to get a day off!

I grew up in a military family. From my observations, I think the day off is why most of the soldiers & sailors donate blood. Whatever it takes to get the job done.

[Nurse Diesel]

Nice to see all of you plan to be donors. You are giving souls. Keep in mind, though, your next of kin/POA has to be on board with it. As a former ER nurse, I can tell you no matter what your drivers license or card in your wallet says, they still have the FINAL say. Make sure they understand how important this issue is to you, and how you expect them to honor your last wishes.
And no need to wait until you renew your license, you can register nationally @ 1-800-B-A-Donor. That us the 1st method most of the ERs will use to find out if you're registered organ donor, and a "yes" from them goes a long way towards helping your family realize you were serious about this.
"Don't take your organs to heaven...Heaven knows we need them here!"

[xtrememedic]

I agree with nurse diesel. As a paramedic I see this all the time. the drivers lic. is not checked and if it is, it is to late to do anything. Because a lot of time the info is on the back of the drivers lic. and nobody looks.

SO LET YOUR FAMILY KNOW OF YOUR WISHES

Here is an idea maybe someone can come up with a colored arm band and or medic alert bracelet that has organ donor on it.

[smartin]

It's in my advanced directive for healthcare that everyone should have. Therefore, my daughter makes that decision.

[oooSOLSTICEooo]

In 1997 an organ donor saved my little brothers life. We are eternally greatful that we got to have Robert around for another 10 years.

[oooSOLSTICEooo]

Thank you to all who have registered for organ donation, you may save a life one day......





David Pennington,
Windrestrictor.com

[bigbooks]

They never want my blood (damn anemia). Please make sure you inform your family in writing if you plan to donate your organs. Unfortunately, signing the back of your license means very little:
"Contrary to popular belief, signing a donor card or your driver's license does not guarantee that your organs will be donated. The best way to ensure that your wishes are carried out is to inform your family of your desire to donate. Doing this in writing ensures that your wishes will be considered. Hospitals seek consent of the next of kin before removing organs. If your family knows you wanted to be a donor, it makes it easier for them to give their consent.
A signed donor card or driver's license provides proof to your family that you wanted to be a donor, but these cards often aren't readily available. They also aren't usually legally binding. Signing a state or national donor registry is helpful but provides no guarantee that you'll be a donor. Registries aren't always checked and aren't legally binding. Again, the best way to ensure that your wishes are carried out is to tell your family that you want to be a donor.
If you have no next of kin or you doubt your family will agree to donate your organs, you can assign durable power of attorney to someone who you know will abide by your wishes. A lawyer can help you prepare this document." http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organ-donation/FL00077

I am an organ donor, plus I have given consent for my body to be used in a chiropractic school. I went through gross anatomy. I know I wouldn't have learned without a body to dissect.

[techtrix]

I think this is really important as well. We have an obligation to give up what we're not using anymore for others who are in need.

[dengel]

Bumping this thread with a plea for those willing to become a bone marrow donor. The young daughter of an employee where I work has been battling Lymphoma and last week had a major setback. It now appears she has Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) and may require a Bone Marrow Transplant. You can read about Mya’s courageous battle here: CaringBridge / myaterry / Welcome

A fellow employee has set up an easy and free way for you to register to become a Bone Marrow Donor. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has graciously set up a program where you can register online to get a free at home swab kit. The kit consists of a simple cotton swab of the mouth. This account has been set up specifically for Mya; however, if you are found to be a match in the future for someone else, they will contact you.

I have just registered in the hopes that I may help this sweet little girl, or possibly someone else in the future.

If you have been considering registering to be a bone marrow donor and just haven't got around to it, or weren't able to afford the fee, now is the time. Please register today and take advantage of the opportunity to possibly save a life, while saving the cost of the normal processing fee.

Please register today! It can take up to six weeks for the testing to be completed.

Finally, please pass this on to ANYONE you think might be interested in signing up. The below code is valid through September 30th. Please help if you can!

To Register Online: Go to Join Now - online registration for Be The Match Marrow Registry 1. After you click the link above, you will see “Join Now” 2. Scroll down and check the boxes in Step 1 (ignore any reference to cost; you do not pay anything when you use your code) 3. In order to continue the registration process, you must agree to the terms of use and sign the consent through electronic signature 4. Enter your information 5. Enter Code: Mya829 (Case sensitive: If you run into any issues with the code not working, please let Scott Greene know (scott.greene4@us.army.mil). 6. Once the form is complete, the system will automatically send a swab kit to your residence, with a self-addressed, returned envelope. 7. Urgent: As soon as you receive the swab kit in the mail, immediately swab and mail off the envelope so your results will be in the National Marrow Donor Registry as soon as possible. It can take up to 6 weeks to tissue type, so the earlier you send in your kit, the better. Thank you for your participation and commitment. Questions? Call or email us and we will be happy to assist you: National Institutes of Health Marrow Donor Program Call between 9am – 5 pm to speak to someone at 301.496.0572 Email anytime: boydg@cc.nih.gov or longme@cc.nih.gov NIH absorbs the $52 typing fee, however donations are accepted.

[GXP Fetish]

For many years I have intended to make my decision to be an organ donor legally binding. I've informed all family members that this is my decision and I'm trusting them to follow thru. I have a Living Will and I will check today to see if I have indicated my decision in it. I was enduring quite an emotional time at the time my Living Will was created so I honestly don't remember.

I'm glad I've come across this posting. Thanks for reminding me to check on my status as an organ donor!

Although age of the deceased is a determinding factor as to how many organs can be used. I 'm proud to say that I have NEVER been a smoker nor a drinker and I'd like to encourage the rest of you to take good care of your health. HEALTHY organs are a Blessing to both the living and the deceased!

[GO_DRVN]

Thanks dengl. Did the registration this morning.

A couple of weeks ago they had a blood drive here at Fort Leavenworth and they were doing the bone marrow screening at the same time. Since I cannot give blood due to the years I spent in Germany I did not go to the donation site.

Registering through this site and returning the swabs may be the easiest thing anyone could do to save a life.

[reedred]

Originally Posted by GXP Fetish Although age of the deceased is a determinding factor as to how many organs can be used. I 'm proud to say that I have NEVER been a smoker nor a drinker and I'd like to encourage the rest of you to take good care of your health. HEALTHY organs are a Blessing to both the living and the deceased!

Indeed they are, but those who are getting on in years or take less than stellar care of their bodies shouldn't count themselves out. Everyone should sign up- if there's nothing that can be used, at least you'll have made the effort!