Health Articles
Make a Miracle; Give a Precious Gift
Medical advances have made it possible to transplant numerous tissues and organs from one human being into another to improve and save lives. The first corneal transplant was performed in 1905, the first blood transfusion in 1918, the first kidney transplant in 1954, and the first heart transplant in 1967. Now, current medical technology makes it possible to tranplant approximately 25 different organs and tissues, including bone and cartilage, bone marrow, cornea, hearts, heart-lung, kidney, liver, lung and pancreas.
The number of transplantations has increased dramatically in recent years due to important breakthroughs in tissue typing and anti-rejection drugs. Even so, the number of individuals awaiting transplants also continues to grow. And the need for transplantation continues to outpace the supply of organs. The goal of organizations like the Iowa Donor Network is that each year thousands of people will live longer and better lives because of organ transplantation.
Federal rules require each state to have "Required Request" legislation, which requires hospitals to maintain a protocol for asking family members for permission to donate a deceased relative's organs and tissues.
Acceptable organ donors can range in age from newborn to senior citizens. Donors are people in good health who have died suddenly, possibly through accidents, and have been declared "brain dead," meaning brain function has permanently ceased, though the heart and lungs continue to function with the use of artificial life support.
As an individual, you can make a decision to become an organ and tissue donor. It is important that you discuss your decision with your family because, when you die, your next-of-kin will be asked to give their consent for you to become a donor. It is very important that they know your wishes. Then always carry a donor card in your wallet.
You can learn more at the website: www.shareyourlife.org or by calling the Donor Referral Hotline: 800.831.4131, located at the Iowa Donor Network.
You can make a miracle, give the gift of life!