How to Save a Life -- The Blessings of Organ and Tissue Donation

Today we are celebrating! Twelve years ago today, Derrick underwent a specialized heart surgery called The Ross Procedure. Due to a condition called aortic valvular stenosis, Derrick's surgery involved replacing his aortic valve with his own pulmonary valve, then replacing his pulmonary valve with one from a donor. Twelve years ago, doctors thought he might have to have another surgery down the road. A few years ago, doctors said the need for another surgery was highly unlikely. Today, Derrick continues to live an active and healthy life.

Without people registering to be an organ and tissue donor, Derrick may not have the opportunity to have the surgery. Without the surgery, Derrick would be a very sickly person. The same goes for the thousands who have undergone a transplant. But more importantly, what will be the outcome of thousands currently waiting for a donor?

Thanks to my dear friend, Brooke, I was introduced to Donate Life America, a non-for-profit organization committed to increasing organ, eye and tissue donation, According to the organization, as of March 2012, more than 113,000 patients are waiting for a donor. In 2011, there were 8,127 deceased organ donors and 6,017 living organ donors resulting in 28,535 organ transplants. An average of 18 people die each day from the lack of available organs for transplant. It's clear the demand far exceeds the number of donors.

Being a donor was something I never really gave a second thought to. My dad's an organ donor, so whenever I renewed my driver's license, I would always sign the donor card and my license would indicated I was a donor. It was as simple as that. Aside from one acquaintance, I had never known anyone who had undergone a transplant until I met Derrick. 

 Derrick, post operation

But I'm glad someone thought to be an organ and tissue donor. Without that individual, Derrick's quality of life would have been much different. And who knows, we, or a family member, may be in need of a transplant someday.

So today, as Derrick and I celebrate the blessings of these last 12 years, I encourage you to check out the Donate Life America website. Understand donation, how it works and how it helps. And if you aren't already, consider being an organ and tissue donor. 

You might save someone's life.