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APRIL IS NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH, a time to spread the word about the importance of saying “yes” to saving lives through organ donation! In celebration of the annual observance, Life Connection of Ohio, the nonprofit organization that serves families and saves lives through organ donation, is partnering with WTOL 11 for the 14th annual Donate Life Sit-in. During this 24-hour event, set for Tuesday, April 16, at 9:00 a.m.– Wednesday, April 17, at 9:00 a.m., transplant recipients, donor family members, and supporters will take a seat to take a stand on the importance of organ donation in Life Connection of Ohio’s Green Chair.
The Green Chair’s meaning is two-fold.
When it is empty, the Green Chair represents overwhelming sadness from the loss of someone who died waiting for a transplant. But when someone is sitting in the Green Chair, it showcases a transplant recipient’s second chance at life. The tagline of the Green Chair campaign is “Don’t let another chair go empty” because encouraging more people to register as organ donors means there will be fewer empty chairs. The Donate Life Sit-in will make that tagline a reality, and the timing of the event could not be more crucial. There are more than 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list, including more than 2,500 Ohioans. The organ shortage continues to grow at a staggering rate, as another person is added to the waiting list every 10 minutes. Sadly, 20 people die every day waiting for an organ transplant. Although the community is largely supportive of organ donation, misconceptions about donation exist and sometimes prevent people from registering as donors. Many misconceptions are perpetuated on medical drama television shows, where some writers do not let the facts get in the way of a good dramatic story. Life Connection of Ohio encourages everyone to learn the facts so they are armed with accurate information before making their personal donation decisions.
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 lifesaving efforts have been exhausted that donation becomes an option.
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.
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.
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.
Will there be a cost to my family if I donate?
No. All costs associated with donation are the responsibility of the organ procurement organization.
Am I too old or too sick to donate?
Not necessarily. The oldest organ donor was 95, and people with histories of diabetes, cancer, and other diseases have still been able to give the gift of life. It is important to register as a donor regardless of age or health conditions, as medical professionals will determine whether organs are healthy enough to transplant after death.
The reality is that one person has the power to save up to eight lives through organ donation. Talk about leaving an incredible legacy!
Life Connection of Ohio is the nonprofit organization that serves families and saves lives through organ donation in northwest and west central Ohio. To learn more about organ donation or to say “yes” to saving lives, visit lifeconnection.org.
Kara Steele is Director of Community Services for Life Connection of Ohio.
