Organ Donation

Friends and family think I'm half crazy to revise my Last Will & Testament on an annual basis. But circumstances change and I want to be certain my wishes are followed. I am a Virgo, and as you know, we want things to be in perfect order.

Although I'm now at a weight that would not embarrass me on a death certificate, and the wrinkle cream seems to be working above the neck, I feel quite fabulous and therefore, not ready to kiss the world goodbye. Hell, I'm just now coming into my own at age sixty. On the flip side, if I suddenly die I want to give life back. So, if you'd rather not read about organ donation, stop here and go somewhere else.

The blurb below was written by David J. Undis, the executive director of LifeSharers, of which I am a proud member:

There are now over 110,000 people on the National Transplant Waiting List, with over 50% of these people dying before they get a transplant. Most of these deaths are needless. Americans bury or cremate 20,000 transplantable organs every year.

There is a simple way to put a big dent in the organ shortage – give donated organs first to people who have agreed to donate their own organs when they die. Giving organs first to organ donors will convince more people to register as organ donors. It will also make the organ allocation system fairer.

Everyone who is willing to receive should be willing to give!

Anyone who wants to donate their organs to others who have agreed to donate theirs can join LifeSharers. LifeSharers is a non-profit network of organ donors who agree to offer their organs first to other organ donors when they die. Membership is free at www.lifesharers.org or by calling 1-888-ORGAN88. There is no age limit, parents can enroll their minor children, and no one is excluded due to any pre-existing medical condition. LifeSharers has over 14,600 members as of this writing, including 70 members in Montana effective 6.12.11.

Final note: If you decide to register please drop me a note so I may congratulate you on your admirable decision.