April is National Donate Life Month, a time to celebrate the generosity of those who have given the gift of life through donating organ, tissue, marrow or blood. I recently attended a Donor Appreciation Reception sponsored by the Georgetown Transplant Institute and Medstar to recognize the tremendous sacrifice people do all the time, sometimes anonymously, so that others may live and often without much fanfare. I had the opportunity to be a living donor last October for my sister, Susan. And as was said often that evening, "the process changes you". The Doctors involved shared their observations of being in the unique position as facilitators and witnesses to this modern day miracle. The surgery process now is so refined that the recovery process for the donors can happen quite quickly. If you are planning to donate to someone but are not compatible you can be a part of the paired kidney exchange program which connects you to other individuals in the same situation.Personally, I felt almost 100% within 2 weeks and one donor ran the Boston Marathon 8 1/2 weeks post surgery. The presenting physicians used the concept of donation as an example of how the world would be a better place if more of us made this type of sacrifice. They mentioned that 50% of donors are now living and that it almost seems easier to convince a live person to donate than to get folks to agree to give upon death. The act of giving is so powerful that it has a positive physiological effect on the giver. The most moving part of the evening was hearing from the donors and their family members. The stories were full of so much gratitude for restoring the health of a loved ones life or granting an individual a new lease on life without dialysis or constant pain & feeling unwell. One recipient, a pastor, was so grateful to his donor that he convinced his city council to declare a day in her honor. He said that "God sends angels to deliver his blessings' to describe his experience. Families frequently make the donor an honorary member of their family.
We have opportunities every day to give of ourselves. Maybe not all of us can be an organ donor for various reasons but there are many ways to give of yourself. Initially, just give some thought to being a donor. If you need more information contact your state donor registry. Your decision to donate could enhance or save up to 50 lives. For more information check out www.organdonor.gov. Most communities have volunteer opportunities as well. Go forth & give in some way. You will feel better. What are you waiting for?
