When getting your license everyone is shown that little screen that offers you the option whether or not you would like to be an organ donor. In the event of your passing, it's possible that many of your organs can be used to save lives. Here are 7 reasons why everyone should be an organ donor.
1. One Person Can Save Up To Eight Lives
2. There Are Entirely Too Many People Waiting
3. Organ Donation Is Encouraged By Most Religions
Here is information on National Donor Sabbath: https://organdonor.gov/awareness/events/donor-sabb...
A resource guide and brochure for faith leaders: https://organdonor.gov/awareness/pdfs/english-cler...
4. You Can Still Have An Open Casket Funeral
Those who prepare bodies for organ donation provide extensive care and respect. The Mayo Clinic states, "Organ and tissue donation doesn't interfere with having an open-casket funeral. The donor's body is clothed for burial, so there are no visible signs of organ or tissue donation. For bone donation, a rod is inserted where bone is removed. With skin donation, a very thin layer of skin similar to a sunburn peel is taken from the donor's back. Because the donor is clothed and lying on his or her back in the casket, no one can see any difference."
5. Not Only Can You Save Lives, But Improve Them
Aside from the organs able to be donated in order to save lives, other parts of your body can be donated to help those who are blind, have extensive burns, those with joint replacements, as well as those with blood and platelet loss.
6. You Have No Use For These Things Once You Have Died
You died. Yes, it's sad. Yes, it's a horrible thing. But, your death could help others live. Wouldn't it make you feel better to know that the tragic loss of your life provided a higher purpose? You could save a baby only days old, a mother of 5, or someone's husband of 50 years. That little 8-year-old boy can see again because your corneas were donated. Your bone marrow helped that father beat cancer. The possibilities are endless and they all seem like much better options than everything either being put in the ground with you or being cremated.
7. It Could Bring Your Family Peace
After reading Odyssey creator, Carey Cecelia Shook's article, An Open Letter To Those Who Received My Brother's Organs, I was inspired to write this article. She talks about how after her brother died her "family and I are not bitter towards any of you in the slightest. Again, we are just so happy that Andrew could save so many people as well as help somebody see again." In many events where a family member dies, the ones left behind find it hard to find a reason behind why this happened. While they still not understand why you had to die, they may find peace in knowing that it was not in vain.
Donating your organs is an intensely personal decision, one which you shouldn't take lightly. Just remember that even after you are gone, donating your organs is one way in which you can continue to make the world a better place.
Sign up to be a nationally recognized organ donor here: https://registerme.org/.
For more information visit the following websites: https://www.donatelife.net/, https://organdonor.gov/index.html, https://www.unos.org/donation/facts/.
