Blood & Organ Donation

I've been meaning to write this post for a while. It came to me from different directions:

•  First: last summer I had 13 blood transfusions 
• Second: words 'Liver Transplant' came into play in January (as of now I'm ok, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed until I'm out of the woods). 
• Lastly: The Ellen Show - an inspirational 'get the word out!' story. 

 Blood & organ donation is something I have always believed in, ever since I was able to answer the question at the DMV, "Would you like to be an organ donor?" I proudly wear that little red heart on my driver's license. In 2009, one of my new years resolutions was to donate blood (we have a quarterly blood drive at work). I know it may not seem like much, but that's how huge my fear of needles is. I did it though that last quarter I made it to the blood mobile! Now, after I had 13 bags of blood donated to save my life I couldn't be more thankful to those of you who face your fear of needles & get into those donation chairs just to pump blood out to give to a complete stranger! In January, I heard the words of how I may need a new liver... there's nothing bigger then someone donating something to save a life. So, I urge you to get out there donate blood, sign up to be an organ donor, & if you're not able to, spreading awareness to others can help tremendously.
Here's the video that really urged me to write this post. This 20 year old Canadian, Helene, needs a huge transplant & yet tries to stay optimistic by raising awareness. Ellen showed her video & had her on the show (surprisingly) via Skype. Not only did they spread the word but Helene will get to go to see Ellen once she's able to travel :) ... Now I post this video & the following links to help spread the word.

 

• To donate blood you can contact your nearest American Red Cross & watch for your local blood drives.
• To become an organ donor:
• Visit Donate Life Kansas or Donate Life America & get signed up.
• Say "Yes" at the DMV, when asked whether you wish to designate your decision to be an organ & tissue donor and say "Yes" when also asked whether you wish to be listed in the statewide registry.
• Complete and mail in a registration form. You may also call toll-free 1-888-744-4531 to obtain a copy of the form.
• Sign the back of your driver/nondriver license with a permanent marker – be sure to have a witness sign, too.
• Include your decision in an advance health care directive, will or living will.
• If you have a donor card or other signed record, sign & carry it.
• Provide any communication witnessed by two adults during a terminal illness or injury (one witness must be a disinterested witness). 

If you have any questions or concerns the Donate Life sites have lots of information & frequently asked questions.

~ Get out there & save a life! ~