A lesson in organ donation
School is in session, which means Life Connection of Ohio’s high school education program is back in full swing.
The high school education program is designed to teach students the facts about organ, eye, and tissue donation to arm them with the information they need to answer the question they will be asked when they receive their driver’s license: “Would you like to register to save and heal lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation?” The presentations are strictly informational, and the knowledge gained ranges from statistics and real-life stories to what can be donated and misconceptions. Kevin Fultz, the Community Education Coordinator at Life Connection of Ohio’s Toledo Regional Office, is excited to be back in the classroom. Kevin started his career at Life Connection of Ohio in December 2021—his teaching background and personal connection to donation made him a perfect fit. “I am excited about working for Life Connection of Ohio because of my family’s personal connection to the organization. After losing my dad in 2016 and seeing the lives he saved and those he helped through organ donation, the message and the meaning of the organization became much more than words to me,” Kevin said. “I am eager to continue to educate people on the topic.”
Kevin’s father, Michael Keith, enjoyed riding his bike, taking long walks, fishing, playing cards, volunteering at animal shelters, and going on cruises. He was always quick to share a smile or start a conversation, and he loved people. Michael Keith served as a police officer for 25 years, and even in his death on April 15, 2016, he still found a way to serve—by giving the gift of life through organ, eye, and tissue donation. Kevin has since met his father’s kidney recipient, who is grateful for her gift of life. “It’s kind of hard to explain how one person can save so many lives just from a selfless act, but it makes it easier in a tragedy to find beauty in that,” Kevin said.
In addition to sharing his personal connection to donation, Kevin enjoys clearing up misconceptions—especially those perpetuated through medical drama shows—and answering questions.
The top 10 misconceptions frequently discussed in the classroom are:
1. Will doctors try to save my life if I am a registered donor?
Yes. Every effort will be made to save someone’s life, regardless of their choice to donate. The medical staff dedicated to saving lives at hospitals is separate from those who coordinate donation. It is only after all life-saving efforts have been exhausted that donation becomes an option.
2. Can I still have a viewing if I donate?
Yes. Organ recovery surgery is a very careful, respectful procedure, and if an open-casket funeral was possible before donation, it should be possible afterward.
3. Is my religion against donation?
Probably not. All major religions in the United States either encourage donation, viewing it as a generous last act of charity, or leave the decision up to the individual.
4. Does my sexual orientation exclude me from registering as a donor?
No. Organ donation does not discriminate. Who you love does not affect your ability to donate life.
5. Can I sell my organs?
No. The National Organ Transplant Act makes buying and selling organs illegal in the United States.
6. Can rich or famous people buy their way to the top of the waiting list?
No. The national transplant waiting list exists because everyone must wait on it, regardless of wealth or celebrity status. The only way to move to the top of the waiting list is to be extremely sick.
7. Will there be a cost to my family if I donate?
No. All costs associated with donation are the responsibility of the organ and/or tissue recovery organization. A donor family is only responsible for hospital charges until death is declared and for funeral expenses.
8. What is the matching process?
The donor and recipient must be medically compatible, so blood type, body size, and age are considered. Urgency of need, length of time on the waiting list, and geographic location are also factors, but race, gender, and wealth are not.
9. What can be donated?
Organs that can be donated after death include the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, and small intestine. Tissues that can be donated after death include bone, corneas, heart valves, ligaments, skin, tendons, and veins.
10. Will my donation decision be honored?
When someone registers as a donor, that decision is legally binding for those 18 and older. If someone under the age of 18 dies and has the potential for donation, their decision to donate can be revoked or amended by their parents or legal guardians. Regardless of someone’s donation decision, it is important to have family discussions so wishes are known.
The truth is that one person has the power to save eight lives through organ donation and heal 125 more through tissue donation.
For more information about organ, eye, and tissue donation—or to schedule an informational classroom presentation— visit lifeconnection.org.
Kara Steele is Director of Community Services for Life Connection of Ohio.
✲
