When I was a kid, I was fascinated with superheroes. I loved the altruistic nature of wanting to do everything in your power to help those around you. My dad always used to tell me I was one of those special people who had a higher capacity for empathy, and I don’t think he was too far off. I grew up writing stories about heroes and special powers and helping others.

Nowadays, I know you don’t need powers to be able to help people and help comes in many different forms. One of the most important of which being an organ donation. Being an organ donor is one of the most meaningful things you can be. And one of the easiest ways you can help someone in need.

There are more than 120,000 people in the US alone on the waiting list for organ donation. To put that in perspective, that’s about the entire population of Tallahassee all on the waiting list to receive an organ. Not only that but, on average, around 18 people die every day waiting for an organ. The problem isn’t slowing down either.

According to The National Foundation for Transplants, it is estimated that, on average, every 10 minutes someone new is added to the waiting list. The average person in need of a new kidney spends about 5 years on the waiting list before they’re able to get one. Not to mention the fact that not everyone has that kind of time to spare.

Many people simply refuse to donate their organs for fear of who that organ will go to. For example, many simply do not want their lungs going to a smoker who ruined their set and will inevitable wreak havoc on their new pair as well. However, this is not the case. Just because someone is in need of an organ does not mean they are automatically eligible for one.

Each hospital has its own rules for who they consider for transplant, but the criteria tends to be stringent. Those on the list for organ donation have strict rules they have to follow to be able to receive one. For instance, if someone is on the wait list to get a new liver, they are not allowed to have any alcohol whatsoever. Partaking in the consumption of alcohol in most cases will get the individual kicked off the transplant list.

Moreover, many refuse to be an organ donor because they believe doctors will not try as hard in saving their lives just for the sake of harvesting their organs after it’s all said and done. This horror movie misconception is false on all accounts.

Doctors have an obligation to their patients to do everything in their power to save their lives, donor or not. As it is, donation only occurs after the patient has been declared dead by a physician not affiliated with organ donation.

Some people are also hesitant of becoming donors because they believe it to be against their religion. However, most religions endorse the deed as an act of charity or neighborly love. Some may worry about the cost of organ donation; worry not! The donor’s family is not responsible for the costs of transplants. Moreover, transplant does not leave the body disfigured, and plans of an open casket are still an option after donation as well.

How do you become an organ donor? Go to https://www.dmv.org/organ-donor.php and register. The whole process takes about 5 minutes. Or, next time you get your license renewed and they ask if you’d like to be a donor, SAY YES. The act of becoming a donor can save up to 8 lives, and improve the lives of up to 50 others. If you had the opportunity to save a life, would you? Well, here’s your chance.