Organ Donation

[Maritime Q-Scout]

I just wanted to start a thread about how important organ donation really is.

This past week a good friend of mine (his dad coached me in minor hockey) received a kidney after a decade of waiting and uncertainty.

He always had a great attitude and never got down. Last Monday he got a phone call saying "Get to Halifax as soon as possible, we have a kidney for you, surgery is tomorrow."

Shocking it's that quick.

You never know what can happen, so please think about organ donation. If you decide to donate, get your affairs sorted out now. If you put it off, you might cost someone's else a chance at life.

This not only goes for you, if you have kids, it's not a great topic but discuss with your partner what to do if the unthinkable happens. I raise this point as I read somewhere that Rehtaeh Parsons' parents took her off life support so her organs can be donated. I can't imagine having to make that decision in the moment.

So please turn your mind to organ donation.

In the spirit of most of my posts I will end on a less serious note: just know that your organs might go to a die hard Oilers fan, like my buddy.

[troutman]

Make a Will and Personal Directive.

[Minnie]

Our entire family - my husband, myself and the kids - have all discussed this and have all declared intent to donate organs (and whatever else - skin, etc) when the time comes.

[BigBrodieFan]

I am on the list for BeTheMatch.com which is an organization that matches people who need bone marrow to volunteer donors. You just sign up and then they send you a kit. You follow the instructions (you just have to swab the inside of your cheek) and then send it in, and they register you. If someone in North America needs a bone marrow transplant and you're 'the match' they call you. Most people will never be called, but it's a great organization, and I feel good knowing I am on that list. Also, here you choose to be an organ donor on your license, not sure if it's that way in Canada but it will say 'Organ Donor' with a heart on the front of your license.

Great thread, the importance of organ donation has touched my family in more than one way.

[stang]

So what's the proper way to be "signed up" for organ donation? I don't have a will but everyone in my family knows my wishes.

[Devils'Advocate]

Ontario:
http://www.ontario.ca/health-and-wel...r-registration

Elsewhere in Canada:
http://www.lifepassiton.ca/how-to-become-a-donor.html

[Devils'Advocate]

Originally Posted by BigBrodieFan

I am on the list for BeTheMatch.com which is an organization that matches people who need bone marrow to volunteer donors. You just sign up and then they send you a kit. You follow the instructions (you just have to swab the inside of your cheek) and then send it in, and they register you.

I just tried it and it says US only.

Anyone know how to get tested in Canada?

[nickerjones]

Great Thread..... I'm sure most people have seen me write about the passing of my first wife and her being an organ donor. I think the letters I received from people whom she saved really helped me through the whole ordeal, not to mention the organization LifeShare ( the organ donation services company) and the help they gave me.

If it matters to anyone here is a blog of the lady who received my first wife's heart. It chronicles her struggles leading up to getting the heard and then the journey afterwards. I don't have any contact with her but I follow her anonymously through the blog: http://heart131.blogspot.com/2013_02_01_archive.html

[jar_e]

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

I just tried it and it says US only.

Anyone know how to get tested in Canada?

Was just going to post the same thing. Great website though.

[BigBrodieFan]

Originally Posted by jar_e

Was just going to post the same thing. Great website though.

Sorry, didn't realize it was just for Americans. I just googled and it looks like there is something similar in Canada- looks like a lot of people on this message board is in their target group:

http://www.blood.ca/CentreApps/Inter...ment&p=OMFormE