Tuesday, July 10, 2012

National transplant week

Today, marks the start of national transplant week.
If you were sick, would you accept an organ?
96% of people would accept an organ, yet only 33% are on the register.


I do often find myself wondering why so few are willing to support donation.
Its a long time since my transplant, but I often find myself thinking back to a time before I needed one.
I recall discussing it in depth with my sister. I fully supported donation and wanted my organs to be donated if the time ever came.

Little did I know that 6 months later, I would be needed a new liver.

After transplant, was one of the hardest times of my life. The physical recover, was grueling, but that seemed like child's play to the emotional turmoil that went on in my head.

For many years, I was, and still am, plagued by visions of the night-mates that lead me to transplant. I saw no escape and so for a long time I was bitter about having been saved.

Now, 9 years on, i have learnt to deal with things and although things are not at their greatest, I feel this overwhelming gratitude that I got a second chance at life.

The last 9 year years, have allowed me to watch my nieces and nephews grow in to beautiful young adults. I have travelled lots, met so many new people, gone to University, worked in a hospital and made some wonderful friends. I have had bad days and good days and days so touched with splendor that nothing compares.

None of this would have bee possible if not for my anonymous donor and their family, who in a time that must have been so fully of sorrow that it was difficult to see much else, agreed to the most selfless act possible and donated their organs. I am forever in their debt.

And so, this week, I am asking, please consider singing the organ donor register, help save others when your time runs out. Talk about it with your loved ones, let your wishes be known.

So many people die waiting. If you would receive it seems only fair that you would give also.

From this to this;



2 comments:

  1. OK Kim, I'll do it. I'll ask my Dr on thurs how to go about it . . . I'm not sure that they would want much of me, as I have no doubt abused my body over the years . . . But I'm willing to offer. As you rightly say; if one is willimg to receive donated organs, then really one should be prepared to donate.
    Thanks for pointing that out. I hope you're feeling a bit better, take care x

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  2. You would be surprised at what they can use. And thank you for thinking of signing up.
    There are a few ways you can do it;

    *Online;
    https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/ukt/how_to_become_a_donor/registration/registration_form.asp

    *Calling the NHS Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23
    (Lines are open 24 hours a day all year round. Calls are charged at your contracted rate for local calls)

    *By texting SAVE to 84118

    ReplyDelete