Organ Donation: Your Gift, Their Hope
Last night I answered calls to the Call 4 phone bank at WCMH-TV in Columbus. The callers reminded me of why I do what I do every day. People are so generous by nature, yet misinformation and misconceptions about the donation and transplantation process keep many from making a simple decision that can save and change so many lives! It was great to have the opportunity to answer questions and dispel those myths one on one!
Thanks to The Ohio State University Medical Center and their sponsorship of “Organ Donation: Your Gift, Their Hope” viewers were treated to an educational and inspirational look at organ transplants and the donors who make them possible.
The program looked at the journey that begins when an individual with end-stage organ disease is placed on the transplant waiting list. Victor Uyoa, a Columbus resident, shared the impact his deteriorating health and his nearly 2-year wait for a new liver have had on not only him, but his family as well. Jacquelyn Wright shared her experience as a living donor to her sister, Benita, and Ginger Cunningham talked about how her kidney donation to a co-worker has been a transforming experience in her life. Their stories inspired at least a dozen people to call last night and inquire about becoming living donors!
Not everyone waiting for a transplant will be able or lucky enough to find a living donor, so the messages last night encouraged people to place their names in the Ohio Donor Registry and become donors at the time of death.
Most of our callers wanted to know if they could be a donor even if they had diabetes or several had been treated for cancer in the past. The answer is “yes!” If you want to help people at the time of your death a prior medical condition should not stop you! If you die in a manner that enables you to be a donor, your current health status will be assessed and testing will be done to ensure the organs are safe for transplant. A diabetic may not be able to donate a pancreas, but their heart, lungs or liver could still save lives.
Many callers were worried that the donation would cost their family money – it won’t. Or that it might cause their family additional grief. A notion that was dispelled by all of the donor family members WCMH captured on tape. Each expressed their pride and the comfort they felt that their loved ones gave life to others.
Lynda Corea shared her family’s experience with both sides of donation. Her son, Michael , received a life-saving liver transplant at the age of 14 and then, just days before his graduation from The Ohio State University was in a motorcycle accident and saved lives as an organ and tissue donor at the time of his death. It is one of the most poignant stories I have heard in my 13 years in this field and I know the grace and generosity of Lynda and the other families had to influence those watching the program last night.
One person has the power to change so many lives as an organ, eye and tissue donor. If you missed the TV special, I invite you to view the segments here. To all the folks who called last night, it was a pleasure speaking with you and I am glad you took the time to get the answers you sought. But if others have questions about donation, you can always call us at 614-291-5667 or 800-525-5667. The decision is too important not to seek the information you need.
- Marilyn Pongonis, director of communications
One Comment »
CJ Sullivan
33 years as a Living Donor I find there nothing I can’t do. Its the feeling you are giving inside you when you giving the gift of life. My brother has past on but I still believe in Donation. My Brother was giving 23 years with my kidney. Then was put back on the list for Liver and Kidney and the Help from Lifeline of Ohio. At the time of the Operation I also had eplissey. and it didn’t stop me from giving He past on while on the waiting list. thanks