When a loved one dies, the last thing on our mind is organ donation, yet imagine if the loss of your loved one could save the lives of 7 people and help up to 50 people live better lives.
These figures are given by the South African Organ Donor Foundation.
I was made aware of this by a special friend whose son desperately needs a heart transplant and has been waiting quite a long while. He has been in and out of ICU as they do emergency procedures to keep him going, until a suitable heart becomes available.
He is in his early 50s, so still has a lot of living to do, but he doesn't let this stop him from living life and bravely fighting this battle.
In a situation like that, one keeps on hoping and praying for a heart that will be a match, but how sad to think of the trauma the family of the donor goes through versus the elation of the recipient's family.
However, I would think it would be comforting to know that my loved one's death was not in vain and is going to save the life of another person and/or heal someone else!
My friend lost her younger son in a car crash, and he left a wife and two lovely little girls behind.
Pat faced another tragedy last year when her youngest sister died of Covid, all alone in a hospital and no one could even say their goodbyes!
We met after his accident through our hubbies who were school friends, and we just clicked. We soon became bosom buddies and are always there for each other when things go wrong, but also have had some fabulous special times together.
I am fortunate to have a circle of very special friends who help and encourage me through troubled times and visa versa.
That's how we all should treat one another and make this a better world!
We need to see the need of others and reach out, give a helping hand and try to help in any which way we can.
Organ Donation/ Transplant Awareness Campaigns
Pat recently went to an Organ donation Awareness Rock Hunt with her granddaughter and little great-granddaughter.
It was a very special day for her, as the chair in memory of her late son is right next to the area where they've planted some of the painted rocks in memory of donors and their families.
The older girl is the one who lost her Dad many years ago; little Mia's grandpa is Pat's son who is waiting for a new heart.
In some instances, the organ donors' names were written on the back and some on the front of the rocks.
Check out Hero777, the awareness page for a 17-year-old young man who has been on the transplant list for almost 4 years. Matthew needs a heart and bi-lateral lung transplant.
Matthew has a bucket list which includes registering at least 50 000 organ and tissue donors.
These 8 rocks are on the way to Mauritius! On the back are links to "Bryn rocks Durban" and "Hero777".
Source
How can you help?
Register on your country's organ donor site, and let your loved ones know of your wishes.
It took me less than 5 minutes to register on the Organ Donor Foundation's website!
It was interesting learning the following from their site, as I've always wondered how and when the donation happens.
SOURCE: THE SA ORGAN DONOR FOUNDATION
IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
SOLID ORGANS such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and pancreas can only be donated if your loved one has been diagnosed with brain death and is on a ventilator in a hospital. In this case, upon receiving your call, the Organ Donor Foundation will pass on the information to the nearest transplant centre and soon thereafter a transplant coordinator will contact you.
TISSUE such as bone, skin, corneas, and heart valves may be used if your loved one is either on a ventilator or has already passed away and their body is at the mortuary or undertakers. In this case, a representative from the Tissue Banks or Eye Bank will be in touch with you.
THE ORGAN DONOR FOUNDATION IS NOT A MEDICAL ORGANISATION AND OFFERS THE ABOVE SERVICE TO ASSIST WITH ORGAN AND TISSUE REFERRALS ONLY.
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