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The gift of life

Ebony, July, 2005

Save a Life

Most organ, bone marrow and blood donors don't look like your stereotypical superhero. They're simply everyday people who make miracles possible. Many experts agree that the likelihood of a match increases if the recipient and donor share the same ethnicity. Together with the fact that the number of minorities awaiting organ transplants is double the number of minority donors, it's clear that more miracle workers are needed in the African-American community.

Organ donation has given life, hope and happiness to thousands of recipients and their loved ones. Each day about 74 people receive an organ transplant. One donor alone can save as many as eight lives through organ donation. And a single donor can save or improve up to 50 lives through corneal, bone and other tissue transplants.

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Since 1998, Saturn has encouraged lifesaving donations through its annual Saturn National Donor Day, held each February 14, Valentine's Day, when consumers can go to any Saturn retailer and learn about donation. For more information about becoming a donor and about the Saturn National Donor Day event, visit www.saturn.com/donorday. But you don't have to wait until then to meet a need that continues to grow year-round.

* ORGAN TRANSPLANTS--More than 87,000 patients are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant--approximately half of them minorities. An average of 17 people die every day because there are not enough organs available to meet the need.

* MARROW TRANSPLANTS---Each year, more than 35,000 patients in the United States are diagnosed with life-threatening diseases, such as leukemia, that are potentially treatable by marrow transplants. Seventy percent of these patients do not find a matching donor within their family.

* BLOOD DONATION--Blood transfusions save 4.5 million Americans every year. Although 60 percent of Americans are eligible to give blood, only 5 percent do so. Donating blood is completely safe. You cannot contract any disease from donating blood.

Dispelling the Myths

There are many misconceptions about organ and tissue donation. Myths contribute to the tragic shortage of donors. Below, some common misunderstandings are dispelled:

Doctors who know I'm an organ donor won't work as hard to save my life.

If you're sick or injured, the hospital staff's top priority is to save your life. Medical personnel can only consider organ donation if you die and only after consulting your family.

If I note that I'm an organ donor on my driver's license, or if I carry a donor card, I can be sure that my organs will be donated.

While these are legal documents, you should always discuss organ and tissue donation with your family. In some states, family members can override your decision to become an organ donor, so it's critical that your loved ones understand and respect your decision.

My religion disapproves.

Most mainstream organized religions approve of organ and tissue donation.

My organs might he sold rather than donated. It's a federal offense to sell organs in the United States.

Donating will result in body mutilation. No, Donated organs are removed surgically and a normal funeral is possible, including open-casket services.

I'm too young to donate. There is no age limit for organ donation, although persons under 19 must have parental consent. Donors have ranged from newborns to senior citizens.

How to Become a Donor

* Indicate your wish to become a donor on your driver's license.

* Join the donor registry in your state if there is one.

* Tell your family. There is no national donor registry, so family members need to know how to execute your wishes.

* Complete a donor card and carry it with you.

For more information about organ, tissue and bone marrow donation, and about Saturn National Donor Day, visit www.satum.com/donorday.

The gift of life

Ebony, July, 2005

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