Donor box on driver's license first step to ensuring transplant

November 13, 2007 04:23 pm

Donor box on driver's license first step to ensuring transplant
By GARRON MARSH
gmarsh@tahlequahdailypress.com

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS —
For many Americans awaiting organ and tissue transplants, a donor's generosity can mean the difference between life and death.
For those people, a transplant won't just add quantity to their lives, but quality as well -- a new life and years of feeling better.
According to OrganDonor.gov and US Government Information on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transportation, more than 98,00 Americans are on the organ transplant waiting listm in line for hearts, lungs, kidneys, livers, intestines, pancreases and bone marrow.
Likewise, a statement by the Mayo Clinic showed that in 2006, nearly 6,000 people -- or 16 a day -- died while waiting for an organ transplant.
To help people like these, a number of hospitals, physicians and other advocacy groups have instituted National Green Ribbon Awareness Week. The idea is to encourage people to learn more about organ and tissue donation and the difference it can make in many lives.
Tahlequah resident Amber Hammons knows first-hand about the difficulties of losing a family member to terminal illness.
For Hammons, the choice is clear.
"Actually, my mother died of cancer, so anything I can do to help with research or to help people, I want to do," Hammons said. "I don't even care if I'm buried; I'd rather just go to science.
Lauri Atkinson, also of Tahlequah, experienced a similar situation when her husband was involved in a serious auto accident. Though she'd always checked the organ donor box on her driver's license, she renewed her commitment after his wreck.
"My husband was in a very serious car accident almost two years ago. I'd always been [an organ donor] before then; I just re-upped," said Atkinson. "I want to be able to help someone else live."
Atkinson said even though her husband was fortunate enough to not need a transplant, the experience left her with an even greater appreciation for donors.
"He almost died, and if he needed an organ I would have liked for someone to have given one -- and I would like to do the same thing," Atkinson said. "I just support the idea of helping someone else live."
Like Atkinson, many people check the donor box on. But many experts say this may not guarantee their wish to become a donor.
Before removing any organs, hospitals will seek the consent of next of kin, so the best way to make sure an organ donor's wish is carried out is to make sure family members and relatives are aware. Visit www.journey.transweb.org for e-mail templates and printable cards to help out.
Similarly, placing one's name on a state or national donor registry can be helpful, but registries are not always checked and may not be legally binding.
For a person with no next of kin, or if there is doubt the family will agree to the donation, an attorney can help assign durable power of attorney to someone who will carry out a wish to donate.