Sign your organ donor card part deux.

[Frank the Tank]

So about 6 months ago I started a thread about my cousin needing a kidney transplant and my family going through the testing process to see who would be a suitable donor. Turns out everyone failed out (including my mother) at one point or another. My mom and my Aunt (cousin's mom) were eliminated at the last possible stage. It was truly heartbreaking.

We all sat and waited as Michelle was put on the national donor list and we hoped for a bit of luck. Well, a few weeks ago, she got the call. They had a kidney. Everything went well, she was out and home eight days later and things were working the way they were supposed to work.

Then she got an infection. They couldn't find the source of the infection. She went back into the hospital and eventually ended up in the ICU. After a week in the ICU, the removal of the donor kidney, still no cure for the infection and on full life support, my beautiful cousin lost her fight.

I'm not fishing for sympathy (although I know I'll get lots) I just want to remind everyone how important it is to sign your donor cards and make your wishes known to your family. Your death can give so many people a new chance at life. So get off your duff and make your wishes known and give someone a second chance. It doesn't always work out but cases like my cousin are about one in 400 transplants. So sign your card.

[Calgary Flames]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what card am I supposed to sign??

Sorry for your loss. Lots of bad news on CP lately.

[Frank the Tank]

Originally Posted by Calgary Flames

Sorry for my ignorance, but what card am I supposed to sign??

Sorry for your loss. Lots of bad news on CP lately.

Thanks Jordon. I think it varies from province to province. In Ontario, its a seperate card you sign and carry in your wallet. Somewhere when you renew your license, there should be somewhere to indicate whether you want to donate your organs or not.

[Bobblehead]

My condolences Frank. I have already signed. When I won't need the organs, somebody else might.

I have a cousin who was diagnosed with cancer. After the final round of chemo she was given a month to live. She said screw it and went on a 2 week cruise. That was 6 months ago; the cancer is in remission. The doctors suspect the final round of chemo eventually worked, but they aren't complaining. (I also have an aunt who was given 6 months to live- 20 years ago!)

[Engine09]

My card is signed and in my wallet right now.

I haven't talked about it with anyone in my family though. If I were to drop dead tomorrow, would that be a dealbreaker if anyone needed my heart?

[Cube Inmate]

Back of your Alta health care card, Jordon. Get it witnessed, and make sure your family is aware of your wishes. Doesn't matter if you've signed the thing or not...they'll probably get the final say.

[Frank the Tank]

Originally Posted by Kryzsky

My card is signed and in my wallet right now.

I haven't talked about it with anyone in my family though. If I were to drop dead tomorrow, would that be a dealbreaker if anyone needed my heart?

Your next of kin have the final say, so let them know its what you really want.

[ericschand]

According to a TV show some time ago, I think on CBC, it doesn't matter
if you sign or not. Your family has the final say. The card being signed
tells them what you would have liked. I can't say if it's like that everywhere though.

Even if you have signed, you should tell your immediate family.

----

The show had a segment that I won't forget about a doctor. One of his
jobs was to inform the family that their loved one had just died. Another
was to then ask for donor organs. You could see the tension and his
apprehension, even though he had done it many many times. He
almost seemed ashamed of it.

He talked about how sometimes they would act kindly, other times they
would get very angry. Sometimes he and a cop or minister would go
together, and they'd both get tossed out.

I can't imagine how he would even approach the topic at that specific
point in time...

ers

[pope04]

So sorry to hear about your cousin. I think it's a good idea to both sign your Alberta Personal Health Card (you can specify certain organs you wish to donate) and to let your family know your wishes.

[Eastern Girl]

Do you really need a seperate card in Ontario? I don't have a seperate card, I just have it indicated on my health card. I have talked to my parents so they know what I want.

Sorry to hear about your cousin Frank. It's always tough to lose a loved one.