April is National Donate Life Month

This month is National Donate Life Month. The focus of this month is to educate people on the importance of becoming an organ donor. Did you know that by being an organ donor you can save the lives of up to 8 people? What an amazing gift!

Twenty- seven years ago my cousin developed liver failure in response to a medication she was taking.  She was on the transplant list for six weeks.  Back then they posted the information on TV commercials.  She was the mother of two boys ages four and six.  A match finally appeared only to have the family withdraw as they were grieving the tragic loss of their daughter as a result of an accident.  My cousin Lorraine lost her battle on New Years Day at the age of 28.

Today 111,000 are listed on the UNOS transplant list.  Each day 19 people will die waiting for a transplant. That is 9 more than in 1990! One of the reasons for this increase is that hospitals will not take a donor’s organs without the approval of the family. So if you are a donor do not assume that your signature on the back of your driver’s license is enough. Discuss your wishes with your loved ones and let them know that you wish to donate your organs so that they are not left feeling as if they have to make decisions for you.

I want to take a few moments to thank those who have become organ donors. There is no greater gift than the gift of life.

We may grow older every year but age is only a number. Let’s live fully, laugh a-lot, and continually learn so that together we can age with grace.Ann Byrum Ritter, RN ARitter@nursesandco.com Facebook.com/NursesandCo www.NursesandCo.com 636.926.3722