What story does your drivers license tell? Have you committed to being an organ donor? If you are already an organ donor . . . GREAT (you rock!)! Did you decline to make that ever important contribution? If so, maybe you just don’t know how saying YES to organ donations can truly impact the life of a fellow human being.
First, let’s be honest with ourselves. No one wants to contemplate the end of life on earth. The question of whether to make a lasting bodily contribution to that of someone else presents many individuals with a little fear and apprehension. What are most of those fears?
- Fear of not receiving proper medical treatment to save your life (due to registration status)
- Fear of being cut into, treatment of the body
- Fear of going against religious beliefs
- Fear of going against cultural beliefs
These are fair concerns for someone to have, but many of them can be alleviated with gaining knowledge on organ donating and the donation process. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), over 100,000 people are waiting for organs, 18 people will die today needing an organ and just 1 organ donor holds the chance of saving 89 lives. Take a look at these stats from the UNOS & U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:
- Every 10 minutes another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list. (we can do better than this)
- In 2011, there were 8,127 deceased organ donors and 6,017 living organ donors resulting in 28,535 organ transplants.
- Last year, more than 42,000 grafts were made available for transplant by eye banks within the United States.
- According to research, 98% of all adults have heard about organ donation and 86% have heard of tissue donation.
- 90% of Americans say they support donation, but only 30% know the essential steps to take to be a donor.
- In 2010, 62% of living donors were women. The statistic is reversed for deceased donation.
- In 2010, 67% of all deceased donors were White, 16% were Black, 13% Hispanic and 2.3% Asian.
- As of December 2011, the national waiting list was made up of 45% White, 29% Black, 18% Hispanic, and 7% Asian.
- In 2007, (the most recent data) there were almost 2.5 million deaths in the U.S. Imagine if every one of those persons had donated.
- Currently, more than 100 million people in the U.S. are signed up to be a donor—sign up and join them
Not an organ donor? We challenge and encourage you to celebrate this Valentine's Day by committing to - one day, in the distant future - giving someone a lovely gift, that would be their gift of life. All you need to do is say YES to organ donating. See how organ donating saves lives . . . .
Donors save . . . Veterans (video)
Donors save . . . Diabetics (video)
Donors save . . . Hearts (video)
Donors save Livelihoods (video, national spokesperson for Organdonar.gov)
Hurry! Quick! It’s an emergency . . . . .
What better way to celebrate a day of love than complimenting others, or . . . yourself! Did you get your compliment today? We just bet that today you’ll receive a compliment like no other. Visit emergencycompliment.com and get your free compliment today!
Celebrate Valentine's Day with Driscoll’s . . .
Many know Driscoll’s for the fine quality of berries, but Driscoll’s also wants to help you celebrate Valentine's day. Take a look at their Valentine's Day recipes and very berry creations. Sign up for Driscoll’s Rewards Program and see exclusive offers, other great recipes, and more!
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