Have You Ever Considered Becoming an Organ Donor?
Posted on February 7, 2013
Why Donate?
Because you may save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance many others through tissue donation. Last year alone, organ donors made more than 28,000 transplants possible. Another one million people received cornea and other tissue transplants that helped them recover from trauma, bone damage, spinal injuries, burns, hearing impairment and vision loss. Unfortunately, thousands die every year waiting for a donor organ that never comes. You have the power to change that. More than100 million people in the United States have signed up!
Don’t Rule Yourself Out!
All people regardless of age should consider themselves potential organ and tissue donors. There are few absolute exclusions (such as HIV infection, active cancer, systemic infection) and no strict upper or lower age limits. Potential donors will be evaluated for suitability when the occasion arises.
Think You’re Too Old?
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. Doctors will examine your organs and determine whether they are suitable for donation if the situation arises. If you are under 18, you may need the permission of a parent or guardian to donate.
Who Is Waiting for an Organ?
In 2011, people over the age of 50 comprised:
- 64% of the national transplant waiting list
- 60% of all transplants
- 57% of all kidney transplants
- 71% of all people receiving liver transplants
Who Else Is Waiting?
More than 113,000 people are currently on the transplant waiting list, and every 12 minutes a new person is added.
Please visit www.donatelifenewlengland.org to register as an organ donor today.
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