Deidra C HallLevel: Basic
At a very young age, Deidra learned the importance of compliance and living with chronic illness. When she was twelve, Deidra was diagnosed with Nephrotic ... Article Word Count: 790[View Summary]Comments (0)
We are coming to the close of National Donate Life Month. April was the month set aside to bring awareness to others, of how their donation of organs and tissue can not only save one life, but have a ripple effect to all those who are connected to it.
Yes, donation is a beautiful thing. I have had the privilege of being donated to TWICE! My lovely mother gave me life twice - once back in 1978, and then with my first transplant in 1994. That one act of selflessness gave me 15 beautiful years. Those years were full of graduations, marriage, children, and travel - things that may not have been possible if I were still "sick".
In 2009, that kidney decided to go into retirement. I guess "she" said she had worked long and hard enough, and she gave her notice. December of that year, I went right back on dialysis and was on the hunt for another kidney. Family lined up. Then the most beautiful thing happened. My sister volunteered. Despite all of our fights, arguments, and fussing growing up, in January of 2010, my younger sister stepped up to the plate. She got tested and was found to be an exact match. In March, she marched with me to the hospital, put on that ever so lovely operating gown, and donated her kidney. It took courage for her as she's never had any major surgery, yet her love for me surpassed her fear - and I thank God for her every day.
So why am I telling you this? Well I'm telling you for one simple reason. YOU can make a difference. By simply donating an organ, or two, or three, or maybe even more (yes, I know that may be a little much to ask, but one can dream right?), you can change the course of someone's life.
The big question is this: What keeps people from donating? And how can we get over that barrier?
Fear - often we fear what we have no experience in. People fear surgery. People fear death. People fear the future - and I'm not talking about the healthy donor...I'm talking about the receiver. So, as a potential donor, if you are faced with fear, go beyond your self. Think of how your act of selflessness can change the life of someone in need. Now think about what if you stay in your comfort zone and NOT do it. What would be the chain reaction in the sick person's life? Which one has the most impact on you? Don't get me wrong, we all have our comfort zones for a reason. But always think both scenario's through. Often times you'll be amazed at what you come up with.
Non-communicated wishes - yes, you must tell someone. Signing your driver's license is great. Registering with a donation service is better. But the most effective is to tell someone. Better yet, write it down for those who are closest to you and can make decisions on your behalf. Investigate the legal ways to make sure your wishes will be granted. You can find out more at websites such as Donate Life, Transplant Living, or UNOS. Once you make the decision, who will you tell? How will you make sure your wish will be granted?
Thinking you can't be alive to donate - this is false. Both my mother and my sister were living donors. They both are healthy living normal, functioning lives. They are both living successfully on one kidney. You can be alive a donate a portion of your liver, lung, pancreas, intestine and yes, even a whole kidney. How do you see yourself living as a donor?
Thinking people have families, so, you aren't needed - let me tell you, currently there are over 110,000 patients waiting for a transplant. There are over 1,700 children waiting. I'm more than positive that if they could get a transplant from a family member they certainly would. But unfortunately, for what ever reason, most aren't that blessed. So yes, you are needed. Imagine someone getting the call "we've found a donor for you", what do you imagine that recipient would be able to do because you stepped up?
If you have any questions, I'm sure a near-by hospital would be happy to speak with you. You can also search different organizations dedicated to organ donation. There's a wealth of information out there, make sure you get it from reputable sources. Get educated, that's the best way to make a sound decision.
Overall, please, make the decision that's best for you. But, don't let the "what if's" and "I can't help" stand in the way. A life depends on it!
Deidra C. Hall is a two time kidney transplant patient and Certified Christian Life Coach. She is the owner of Champion's Coaching where she specializes in Medical Compliance Coaching, Communication Workshops, and Spiritual Growth Coaching. In her spare time she loves spending time with her husband, two children and their dog "JoJo". View her sites at https://www.champscoaching.com and http://churches.champscoaching.com
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