As we age or watch our parents age, various subjects come to mind. One such thought is becoming an organ donor? I know it sounds morbid and may have some religious barriers to overcome, but read on.
Last year a friend’s adult nephew had a heart transplant. While recouping he met a woman who also received a new heart. The commonality led to friendship and romance. This Christmas they were able to spend it together as a healthy loving couple.
A friend’s teenage son was tragically killed in a car accident. They decided to donate his organs. They were asked if they wanted to know the recipients. About 2 years later they agreed. The woman who received his heart was very excited to thank them if not in person, via mail or email. They agreed to email and soon a beautiful letter with a picture of a vibrant healthy woman in her 40’s came into their inbox. Also was a picture of the same woman looking 15-20 years older, prior to her new heart.
This woman started swimming after her transplant and the exercise revitalized her body and spirit. She felt a new affinity to swimming and wanted to know if their son was a swimmer. Yes, he liked to swim but as far as they knew it wasn’t his favorite sport. They started looking through old pictures and it did seem he was in a pool or the ocean or a lake in pictures from every vacation. Who knows?
On my drivers license under ‘restrictions’, along with ‘corrective lenses’ it also says ‘anatomical donor’. www.organdonor.gov
Organs that can be donated are: heart, liver, lungs, kidneys and others.
Tissues that can be donated include: skin, corneas, heart valves, tendons and others. Cells donated now are showing some great research with cancer. Are you ready to become a donor?