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Thursday, April 14, 2005

Donate life.

Just today, seventeen people in the US died waiting on an organ transplant. Right now there are 87,000 people waiting for the gift of life. But you can help. April is National Donate Life Month. Won't you consider organ or tissue donation?

* Donate blood or platelets. Every two seconds, someone needs blood, and just one pint can save up to three lives. You can donate blood every 56 days (my next donation is Monday). Platelet donations can be made every three days. Visit online or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) to make an appointment at a donor center or to find a blood drive near you. Learn more in the October 23rd post.

* Donate marrow. Certain diseases, including leukemia and sickle cell anemia can be cured by a bone marrow transplant. You can join the National Marrow Registry if you are interested in donating. There is no obligation. Learn more in the October 26th post.

* Donate organs. After your death, your organs and tissues can save and improve the lives of over 80 people! Think what a legacy that will be. And remember, some organs (e.g. kidney) can be given by a living donor. Learn more in the November 1st post.

* Donate umbilical cord blood. It is rich in blood stem cells which can be used to treat many life-threatening diseases, including sickle cell anemia, leukemia, and lymphoma. After birth, neither you nor your baby can use the umbilical cord. So why not give it to someone who desperately needs it?

Think it over. Pray about it. Talk to your family. Organ and tissue donation is a great way to make a tangible difference in someone's life. They (and their family) will forever be grateful.

9 comments:

Karama said...

This is somewhat unrelated, but April is also National Poetry Month. Poems are wonderful forms of beauty and expression, and they can also be a healing force. If you are a creative artist who likes to help people, or if you are a therapist with creative arts skills, or if you are looking for a therapist or know someone who is, consider these sites:

* Click here to find out what poetry therapists do.

* The National Association for Poetry Therapy certifies poetry therapists. Visit their site to find out about education and training.

* Learn more about how creative arts can be useful in healing at the National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations. "The creative arts therapies include art therapy, dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, poetry therapy, and psychodrama."

These are just a few of the many ways to celebrate National Poetry Month. They give a new meaning to the term "healing arts."

Karama said...

I just got back from donating blood. It took less than 30 minutes and I got free juice and cookies. Plus they're holding a raffle for blood and platelet donors in which one of each will will a trip to Miami!

How much more incentive do you need?

Karama said...

Just FYI, here is the complete list of blood donation eligibility guidelines.

Karama said...

In honor of National Donate Life Month, the folks at the LifeLink Foundation had a booth in Emory's student center today. I picked up a Frisbee that reads "Life takes guts! Be an organ or tissue donor." Cool, huh? Here are some of the other slogans I saw:

- Don't take your organs to Heaven. Heaven knows we need them here.
- Be an organ donor. All it costs is a little love.

Also, you may want to check out the United Network for Organ Sharing. Remember, if you are unable or unwilling to be an organ or tissue donor you can always volunteer and financially support the organizations like LifeLink and UNOS that service donors and recipients.

PS: The only other Frisbee I have is from the Swarthmore College Swarming Earthworms. It'll be nice to have another disc to toss around come summer.

Karama said...

PPS: What I need is a third disc from the Swarthmore College Warmothers!

Karama said...

When I gave blood the other day, I talked to my phlebotomist about the characteristics of blood donor. She noted that they are overwhelmingly female. Anyone have any ideas as to why?

Karama said...

Consider also platelet donation.

Karama said...

Find a community blood center near you at www.americasblood.org. Learn more in the August 22nd post.

Karama said...

Some argue that we have an obligation to relinquish our organs after death.