If you are a universal donor, it is a blessing to so many people who need blood. I knew this fact for almost forever. One of my coworkers had told me that she had signed on the back of her license to be an organ donor. I was feeling bad for her. She is still very young. She was then only twenty-one. She laughed and said that she was a reckless driver anyway. I got mad at her and told her that she should drive carefully for her daughter's sake. Unfortunately her sister who was also very young died in an auto accident and then she realized the hard realities of life and started driving carefully. An other coworker told the both of us that we do not have to be dead to be of help. We can be living and still donate blood and maybe a kidney, or even bone marrow.
Today, I found out that an elementary school age girl needs a kidney. Her kidney function is down to twenty percent. At home I had the discussion with my husband about me giving a kidney to her because I have lived my life. To my dismay, my husband said that doctors, surgeons and even hospitals will not let me do that because I have multiple health problems and I can be more of a liability than help. What a bummer.
10 comments:
It is wonderful of you to want to do this, Munir. I am too old to donate a kidney too. I can't donate blood because of the medication I take. It is wonderful when people do these things.
You have a great heart!
My brother needed a kidney and we all were tested, but his daughter was the perfect match and he's been doing super ever since. I donate blood often. My nephew died in a car crash at age 18 and his bones, skin and eyes were donated. Those are things that can be donated at almost any age. It's a great gift to give if you are able. I've had the privilege of being involved in organ harvests. We don't do transplants at our hospital but to be there when the ultimate gift is being taken is truly a spiritual experience.
I remember my uncle who needed a kidney after and accident at his workplace, he had numerous medical treatments and at last doctors concluded nothing could be done without having a kidney. It was his wife who donated one of hers to him. He lived for a year or so after that and died after infections. I remember he was incredibly fearless throughout his treatment and my dad would say its his courage that got him through the one+ year that he lived with an external organ in him. My aunt is in good health even now.
Maybe when circumstances permit, i would also like to agree to donate my organs after death. Greetings.
Hi Munir .. interesting post - and one that we need to be more aware of .. I have a signed organ card that I carry with me. I think people that give like this are truly amazing .. there's a girl here now who was the first heart lung transplant in the UK about 20 years ago .. and she's still going (now mid thirties I guess) - her mother, a nurse, is incredibly grateful .. and I don't see either of them really - but her daughter seemed 'fit as a fiddle' .. and continues to be monitored.
I did hear of a heart rending story from China .. where a boy (14 or so) sold one of his kidneys for $2,000 ... just to get an iphone, and a few other gimmicky techie things .. his parents didn't know ... cannot remember the exact details .. but what NOT to do.
It's worth knowing what goes on around the world ... a very sad tale. I hope the person with the 'farmed' organ lives for many a year ..
All the best - Hilary
It is difficult to find people as kind as you Munir. I am really glad to know you.
I've recently started eating healthier and exercising every day to try and keep the weight off. This message is a good one but really hard to keep up over a lifetime, especially with the distractions of a modern lifestyle (sitting in front of a television, fast food, etc.)
Hi Munir, sorry you were disappointed not to donate your kidney. I joined the organ donor register recently myself. Sorry to hear about your own health problems
I want to be an organ donor; in fact, I hope they use anything they can use for the benefit of someone else. I keep saying I'm going to sign up to be a bone marrow donor but just never make the time to do that.
good post!
That was a noble gesture on your part. At least you are thinking of these things and can perhaps influence others. I have always checked off the organ donor box on my driver's license for as long as this has been an option. I don't know how many of my organs would be healthy enough to use, but at least they can have them if they need them.
Lee
Tossing It Out
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