The need for organ donors has been on the rise over the years and is now bigger than ever. Thanks to advances in transplantation technologies and techniques, a greater proportion of individuals are eligible for organ transplantation. When you register to become an organ and tissue donor, you sign up to be among individuals committed to saving lives and helping others overcome their illnesses. It gives you the satisfaction of knowing that you have done everything you can to dedicate yourself to the welfare of those around you. Because of the nature of organ donation, it is very likely that your donation will go to someone within your state or even your town. Here are some reasons to become an organ donor.
Organ Donation Gives You the Opportunity to Help Others
Individuals waiting for donation usually have end-stage organ diseases that can only be cured by transplants. These people have been dealt a tough hand and by donating you are not only giving an organ, you are giving hope and life to someone who deserves it. Organ donation is one of the greatest gifts and registering takes little to no effort. You can give someone breath, the ability to walk again, the ability to feel, see, smile, and enjoy a better quality of life. Donating your corneas can help a blind person see again, tendons and bones can give the gift of mobility and skin can help someone with severe burns.
Becoming A Donor Is Easy and Priceless
When you register to renew your driver’s license, just check the box on the paperwork that asks if you’d like to be a donor. You can also sign up to be a donor with your state’s organ and tissue donor registry or at Giftofhope.org. It’s as simple as that. Registering and donating is absolutely free. You can also change your decision at any time so there is no stress involved with making this decision on the spot.
You Can Help Multiple People
A single donor has the potential to save up to eight lives. That is eight lives that might not have made it without the gift you have given them, eight lives that hold a piece of you and owe everything to your generosity. You can give the amazing gift of eyesight to two people who have never seen the world and save or improve as many as 25 lives. These aren’t just numbers that you’re helping, these are parents, daughters, sons, teachers, neighbors, and families – they’re people who are probably looking to inspire change in the world just like you. In this way, you, and the hope, sacrifice, and love that drove your decision to be an organ donor can live on through others.
There Are Very Few Medical Disqualifications and No Age Limits
There are only a few limitations on who can and cannot donate. Whether or not you can donate isn’t determined by your age; it all depends on the condition of your organs and your physical condition. From newborns to senior citizens, anyone can be an organ donor. If you’re 18 years of age or older, you’re eligible to sign up and indicate your commitment to becoming a donor. New legislation allows 16-and 17-year olds in Illinois to register their intent to be organ and tissue donors as well. Once they turn 18, they are added to the First Person Registry.
Don’t rule yourself out from organ donation because you have a health condition. Even with an illness, you may still be eligible to become a donor. There are very few medical conditions that can disqualify an individual from being an organ donor.
Being an organ donor is one of the most selfless things a person can do in his or her life. It is the ultimate act of giving: Giving life. If you’ve never considered taking this crucial step or have had second thoughts about it because of inaccurate information, we are happy to talk you through the ins and outs of this process. You don’t have to make this decision alone. Register for organ and tissue donation and give someone the gift of life.
