Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Organ Donation: The Gift of Life

2006; Elsevier BV; Volume: 107; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.jada.2006.11.020

1878-3570

Kenneth P. Moritsugu,

History of Medical Practice

Editor’s note: Rear Admiral Kenneth P. Moritsugu, MD, MPH, is serving as Acting Surgeon General. He has filled the position of Deputy Surgeon General of the United States since October 1, 1998, serving as the principal assistant and advisor to the Surgeon General. Donation and transplantation is not a sterile medical process, but a personal, human deed. It is a deed which touches people, closely, personally, intimately—and through which the recipient gains a new lease on life, an enhanced quality of living, and a new outlook on humanity. Donor families each have their stories. Each story is different; as different as each individual. But what is common to all is the uncommon generosity of the human spirit, often in a time of grief and tragedy, to rise above personal concern, to help others in need of life-saving transplantation. It is the ultimate gift by the donors—the ultimate act of human kindness. Many years ago, my late wife, Donna Lee, and my younger daughter, Vikki Lianne, only 22 years old at the time, were in separate accidents and soon passed away. Because we had talked long before about what each of us wanted when we died, Donna Lee became an organ and tissue donor. We believed that Vikki Lianne also would have wanted to be an organ donor, and so we made those arrangements. I was privileged to be part of their decision, their generosity, their gift of life, their ultimate gesture of humanity, just as all donor families are part of their loved ones’ generosity. Because of Donna Lee, and because of Vikki Lianne, and because of so many other organ and tissue donors, many people have directly gained a renewed life or an improved quality of life. Through such generosity in their brief moments on this earth, donors everywhere have achieved greatness—many of them ordinary people, leaving an extraordinary legacy. When one hears of organ and tissue donation and transplantation, there is an immediate sense that this is an issue that affects only a small number of the public. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Like a pebble tossed into a pond, the ripples of life expand, affecting not just the donors and recipients, but families, friends, colleagues, coworkers, and others; and, in turn, these affect so many others, in ever-expanding circles of life. These individuals, but for the miracle of donation and transplantation, the gift of life, would have lost a parent, a friend, a colleague, to death and disability. Donation and transplantation affect society broadly, not just one person. Become an organ and tissue donor. The need is great. Did you know that, right now, nearly 93,000 people are waiting for the gift of life, and approximately 300 new transplant candidates are added to the waiting list each month? Each day, about 81 people receive organ transplants—but 19 people die waiting for transplants because of the shortage of donated organs. The shortage of organ donors is a medical problem for which there is a cure. People of all ages can donate, although persons under 18 years of age must have parent’s or guardian’s consent. The determination of whether a person is a suitable donor is made at the time of death. The most important consideration is not age but the donor’s physical condition. While the most common organs to be transplanted are kidneys and liver, other organs, such as the pancreas, intestines, heart and lungs are also needed. There also is an urgent need for corneas, skin, bone marrow, heart valves, connective tissue, and bone marrow. To be considered as a donor, indicate your intent on your driver’s license and carry an organ donor card. Most importantly, discuss your decision with your family and loved ones. They may be asked to sign a consent form in order for your donation to occur. I urge you to learn more about organ and tissue donation and to consider making the vital and personal decision to offer the gift of life to others. More facts about how you can donate life can be found at http://www.organdonor.gov/. Make today the day you:•Download, print, sign, and carry a donor card.•Say yes to donation on your driver’s license.•Sign up with your state’s donor registry (if your state has one). Discuss your decision with your family.