Why Organ Donation is the Ultimate Gift You Can Give

Have you ever thought about the legacy you want to leave behind? When we think about life after we’re gone, most of us focus on the memories we leave with loved ones. But what if I told you that you could leave a legacy that goes far beyond that – a legacy that could save lives? I’m talking about organ donation.

Did you know that about 5,00,000 people die in India every year, waiting for an organ? We can add our bit to reduce this count and save many more lives. Meanwhile…

What is Organ Donation?

Organ donation is the process where a person pledges to donate his/her organs after death to someone in need of a transplant. This act can save multiple lives, giving people a second chance to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Imagine, just by pledging to donate, you can take the 1st step to save someone’s child, parent, or best friend. That’s powerful, isn’t it?

When you die, your life just ends, right? Well, you can live on even after your death. If you pledge to donate your organs, you can live a new life through the person who gets your organs. You can see the world through the person who gets your cornea. Your heart can beat in the person who gets your heart.

The Impact of Organ Donation

Here’s a fact for you: one organ donor can save up to eight lives! Yes, you read that right. And this isn’t just limited to the major organs like the heart, liver, lungs or kidneys. Even tissues, corneas, and bone marrow can be donated to help others. For every person who chooses to donate, there’s a ripple effect that touches countless lives.

Common Myths About Organ Donation – Busted!

When it comes to organ donation, several myths often prevent people from pledging. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions:

Myth 1: If I pledge to donate my organs, doctors won’t work as hard to save my life.

Fact: This is one of the biggest myths out there. The truth is, that the medical team responsible for your care has only one goal: to save your life. Organ donation is only considered after all life-saving efforts have failed, and it has been determined that you are legally dead. The organ donation team is completely separate from the team treating you.

Myth 2: I’m too old or too unhealthy to donate my organs.

Fact: Age and health conditions don’t necessarily disqualify you from donating. Medical professionals will assess the condition of your organs at the time of your death to determine what can be donated. Even if you have a medical condition, you might still be able to donate your organs or tissues.

Myth 3: My religion doesn’t support organ donation.

Fact: Most major religions support organ donation and see it as a charitable act of love and kindness. However, it’s always good to discuss with your religious leader if you have concerns. Many faiths actually encourage organ donation as a way to help others.

In Hindu scriptures, it is mentioned that the soul does not get burned in the fire. However, your organs do get burnt. Why waste such precious assets? Why not donate these to save lives? You won’t need or get to use these in your afterlife anyway.

Myth 4: Organ donation will disfigure my body.

Fact: Organ donation is a surgical procedure carried out with the utmost care and respect. The body is treated with dignity, and the incisions made during the process are closed, just like any surgical operation. There’s no visible sign of organ donation and the body is returned to your family for a respectful cremation.

Myth 5: If I’m rich or famous, I’ll get a transplant faster.

Fact: Organ allocation is based on several factors, including medical urgency, compatibility, and time spent on the waiting list. Wealth or fame does not play a role in the organ matching or transplant process.

Why You Should Pledge to Donate

Deciding to donate your organs is one of the noblest decisions you can make. It’s a true act of selflessness – giving a part of yourself so that others may live. Think about it: in a world where we often get caught up in the hustle and bustle, where we sometimes forget to look out for one another, this is one powerful way to make a difference.

Living Donor vs Cadaveric (Deceased) Donor

Certain organs can be donated while you are living and healthy. Say, a close blood relative has end-stage kidney disease. You may donate one of your kidneys to save that relative’s life.

Similarly, you can donate your liver to a relative with end-stage liver disease. In the case of a living donor liver transplant, a small part of your liver is taken and transplanted in your relative. Both the parts grow to normal size in a few weeks.

When you pledge to donate your organs after your death (called cadaveric donation), if you die in a hospital due to brain death and you were put on a ventilator, a counsellor will discuss your status with your family and request permission for this donation. Only when they agree, the organ retrieval and transplantation in another patient is carried out.

Organ Donation in Case of Normal Death

If you die due to some sickness or old age, only the cornea of your eyes can be donated. These have to be retrieved within a few (4-6) hours of the death. Your family needs to inform the local eye bank for such retrieval who will come to your home and retrieve the cornea. This causes no disfigurement.

Hence, if you have pledged for organ donation, you must frequently remind your family of your wish so that they can carry out your wish in the unfortunate event of your brain death due to a brain haemorrhage or a road accident.

How to Pledge Your Organs

Pledging your organs is simple. You can register with the Live Kingsize Die Kingsize foundation, carry an organ donor card, and let your family know about your decision. It’s important to frequently discuss your choice with your loved ones so that they are aware of your wish when the time comes.

You may ask – what about me? Yes, I am happy to share that everyone in my family has pledged to be an organ donor.

What Next?

In the end, let’s remember that organ donation is more than just a medical process – it’s a way to keep giving, even after you’re gone. It’s about leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion. By pledging to donate your organs, you’re choosing to save lives, and there’s nothing more noble than that. So, I urge you to consider this, think about the lives you could touch, and pledge to be an organ donor today. It’s a small decision with a massive impact – the ultimate gift you can give.

Let’s make the world a better place, one organ at a time.