The Importance Of Being An Organ Donor | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

The Importance Of Being An Organ Donor

If you had the opportunity to save a life, would you?

151
The Importance Of Being An Organ Donor
Flickr

When I was a kid, I was fascinated with superheroes. I loved the altruistic nature of wanting to do everything in your power to help those around you. My dad always used to tell me I was one of those special people who had a higher capacity for empathy, and I don’t think he was too far off. I grew up writing stories about heroes and special powers and helping others.

Nowadays, I know you don’t need powers to be able to help people and help comes in many different forms. One of the most important of which being an organ donation. Being an organ donor is one of the most meaningful things you can be. And one of the easiest ways you can help someone in need.

There are more than 120,000 people in the US alone on the waiting list for organ donation. To put that in perspective, that’s about the entire population of Tallahassee all on the waiting list to receive an organ. Not only that but, on average, around 18 people die every day waiting for an organ. The problem isn’t slowing down either.

According to The National Foundation for Transplants, it is estimated that, on average, every 10 minutes someone new is added to the waiting list. The average person in need of a new kidney spends about 5 years on the waiting list before they’re able to get one. Not to mention the fact that not everyone has that kind of time to spare.

Many people simply refuse to donate their organs for fear of who that organ will go to. For example, many simply do not want their lungs going to a smoker who ruined their set and will inevitable wreak havoc on their new pair as well. However, this is not the case. Just because someone is in need of an organ does not mean they are automatically eligible for one.

Each hospital has its own rules for who they consider for transplant, but the criteria tends to be stringent. Those on the list for organ donation have strict rules they have to follow to be able to receive one. For instance, if someone is on the wait list to get a new liver, they are not allowed to have any alcohol whatsoever. Partaking in the consumption of alcohol in most cases will get the individual kicked off the transplant list.

Moreover, many refuse to be an organ donor because they believe doctors will not try as hard in saving their lives just for the sake of harvesting their organs after it’s all said and done. This horror movie misconception is false on all accounts.

Doctors have an obligation to their patients to do everything in their power to save their lives, donor or not. As it is, donation only occurs after the patient has been declared dead by a physician not affiliated with organ donation.

Some people are also hesitant of becoming donors because they believe it to be against their religion. However, most religions endorse the deed as an act of charity or neighborly love. Some may worry about the cost of organ donation; worry not! The donor’s family is not responsible for the costs of transplants. Moreover, transplant does not leave the body disfigured, and plans of an open casket are still an option after donation as well.

How do you become an organ donor? Go to https://www.dmv.org/organ-donor.php and register. The whole process takes about 5 minutes. Or, next time you get your license renewed and they ask if you’d like to be a donor, SAY YES. The act of becoming a donor can save up to 8 lives, and improve the lives of up to 50 others. If you had the opportunity to save a life, would you? Well, here’s your chance.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
cousins
Bailey Totten

I've known you your entire life. More than likely I held you in the first three days of it and at least one of us cried. Cousins are truly one of the best things in the world and while sometimes I complain about how many people crowd Grandma's living room on Christmas Eve, I wouldn't trade you all anything.

You are my best friends, the only people who can understand what it's like on Thanksgiving, and you are the spunkiest people I have ever met. But you as so so young, most of you are just now starting your adventures in the public education system. I mean, I'm so very young too. I'm not married, I don't have children, heck, I just started my adult life, but I do want to give you what little advice I have. My dears, these are the things I want you to know.

Keep Reading...Show less
ORHS Graduation
Kristen Sack, ORHS Graduation

You are a senior in high school, you have made it to the final year that you have been looking forward to since the first day of freshman year. Whether this has been the worst or best four years of your life, appreciate it. You will never have these times back, you will never be in high school again. It is hard for someone still in high school to wrap their brain around, but there will be a day when you wish you could be in the shoes you're in right now. Here are 15 things I have learned being in college that I wish I knew as a high school senior:

Keep Reading...Show less
one tree hill
Wikimedia

Everyone, and I mean everyone has heard of the show "One Tree Hill". Many people think that this show is the best thing they've ever watched and others won't bother watching it because they know they'll get hooked. And yes, I know many people have written about this show before, but I couldn't resist. I could re-watch every season multiple times to the point where I can almost quote an entire scene. Trust me, once you start "One Tree Hill", you will be hooked. There's way too many reasons to list as to why you'll love this show, and these are just a few.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

5 Ways To Bring Positivity Into Your Life When All You Want To Do Is Drown In Self-Pity

It seems like life has been serving up more bad than good and in all honesty, the only thing you want to do is crawl under your covers and hide from the rest of the world.

1912
5 Ways To Bring Positivity Into Your Life When All You Want To Do Is Drown In Self-Pity
Photo by Kinga Howard on Unsplash

The first two weeks of classes have come to an end and they have been anything BUT easy. It seems like life has been serving up more bad than good and in all honesty, the only thing you want to do is crawl under your covers and hide from the rest of the world.

Although this seems like the best solution, it is also the easy way out. Take it from the girl who took basically a whole week off from her life because she just could not handle everything that was being thrown at her. This caused her to feel extremely lonely and even more stressed out for being behind in classes that JUST began.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends

1. Thank you for being my person.

2. Thank you for knowing me better than I know myself sometimes.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments