How to become an organ donor
How I did it: There are different websites for each state, to sign up to be an organ donor. I always see posters at the Secretary of State as well. My mom is a nurse and has always said you should donate your organs because you won't need them when you're gone and you can help so many people. I've always planned on being an organ donor, but for some reason I was a bit hesitant to actually sign up. I was probably being selfish, because they're MY eyes and no one else should have them. I'm a brat, I know. It's weird thinking of somebody else walking around with your heart or eyes or whatever. Plus, thinking that as soon as I die I'll be whisked away to an operating room where a bunch of eager doctors await to claim my organs. But, reading stories about the people that donated organs have helped to live, makes me happy to give mine when I go. I really don't want anybody to take my eyes though!!
I encourage anyone who reads this to sign up! It takes a minute!
Lessons & tips: In the United States . . .
- More than 100,300 people are waiting for an organ transplant.
- On average, 18 people die each day waiting for a transplant (nearly 6,700 people in 2007).
- Every 12 minutes a new name is added to the national waiting list.
Resources: I live in Michigan, so the website to go to is: http://www.giftoflifemichigan.org/
But, the main site is: http://www.organdonor.gov/, regardless of what state you live in.
