Ten years ago today, I was on the receiving and of a miracle. A miracle made possible by my Dad's generosity, the awesome skills of medical professionals and the Lord's good grace. After spending my life to that point dealing with sick kidneys, they finally failed me completely and I needed a new kidney - which my Dad selflessly offered to donate. I was 21 at the time, and without the new kidney I quite simply wouldn't be here today-or at least would be living my life dependent on a dialysis regime (which is not fun). My kidney is now ten years old and going strong.
Those of you that know me, and didn't know about this are quite possibly amazed (most people are when they find out), because I live a normal and healthy life. I don't seem 'sick' - and that's because I'm not. The transplant gave me what I'd never had- a completely healthy kidney- and I've been careful to look after it since. The negative "effects" are limited to regular checkups with a specialist and taking daily immuno-suppressants, not a bad deal :)
I'm one of the lucky ones. There are hundreds, if not thousands of people of all ages, from all walks of life, that desperately need transplants and can't get one from a family member for whatever reason. They have their names on a list, and are hoping and praying to be the lucky recipient of a 'cadaver' organ.
YOU CAN GIVE THESE PEOPLE A NEW LIFE LIKE I GOT. All you need to do is:
- Register as an organ donor with your local donor organization. In SA that's the Organ Donor Foundation (http://www.odf.org.za)
- Carry your donor card in your wallet or bag at all times
- Discuss your choice with your family. They will ultimately be the ones that have to give the go ahead to harvest your organs, so they need to know about and your wishes and know to respect them.
Please, don't believe the rubbish some people insist on spreading about donation:
- Doctors and paramedics will not give you inferior treatment to secure organs.
- Your organs will not be sold for some crazy profit to the highest bidder.
- Your body will be treated with the utmost respect and will be perfectly fine for open casket display if that's what you want.
