LIFE:PASS IT ON

Organ and Tissue Donation

 

There is a severe shortage of organs and tissues for transplantation. More than 80,000 people nationwide, including 8,000 New Yorkers, are waiting for organ transplants. Tens of thousands more are waiting for tissue transplants. One person who donates organs can save up to eight lives, while one tissue donor can improve the quality of life of many more people. Each year in New York state, more than 1,000 kidneys, livers and hearts are transplanted thanks to hundreds of donors. However, with more than 8,000 New Yorkers still on waiting lists, the need for organ donations far exceeds the supply.

 

If you missed the opportunity to register as an organ donor during our Advent campaign, you can still register one of three ways. You will be enrolled automatically if you check the donor box on your driver license, application or renewal form. Make sure the license is witnessed by two people. Or, you can enroll by mailing in an application form. Please contact me for a copy of the form. Finally, you can enroll online through the New York State Department of Health web site  at www.health.state.ny.us. In the lower right hand corner of the home page, click on Organ and Tissue Donor Registration then click on online registration. If you have any unanswered questions or concerns about organ and tissue donation, please call the New York Organ Donor Network at 1-800-GIFT-4-NY. They would be happy to assist you.

 

Remember, let your family know about your decision to become and organ and tissue donor. They must give consent. Many families do not consent to donation because they are unaware of their loved ones' wishes. Enrollment in the Organ and Tissue Donor Registry declares your intent to donate your organs and tissue after your death. In the event of your death, the local organ procurement organization or tissue bank will inform your family of your decision. Your family will still have to give consent, so it is important that you tell them about your wishes.   

 

I am able to write this to you today because I received an incredible gift from a perfect stranger; an act of grace, undeserved, unearned and freely given, much like what Jesus offers to us all, the gift of life itself! Please consider what this gift could mean to someone else. God bless you all.

 

Candace Moose, Heart Transplant, 10/01/01