There are no commercials. There are no advertisements. No one is talking about it. And yet and average of 22 people die each day waiting for an organ.
There are currently 118,053 people in the US waiting for a transplant.
Every 10 minutes another name is added to the wait list.
8,000 people die each year because organs are not available in time.
Since January there have been a total of 8,365 transplants done from a total of 3,944 donors.
One donor can save up to 75 others through organ, eye and tissue donation.
Corneas, heart valves, tendons, bone, blood vessels, veins and skin can all be donated too.
Even hands and faces have been transplanted successfully. Hands and faces people! Can you believe it!
A few years back I got the chance to talk to the CEO and President of Donate Life. We talked about all the celebrities who have had transplants and why none of them are bigger supporters of Donate Life. Even though they are living because of a life saving transplant. We talked about why Donate Life would never be as big as other charities and foundations. Think Susan G Komen. Everyone one knows what that pink ribbon is for, but who knows what what color Donate Life Ribbons are? Anyone?
One thing David told me was that one of the reasons people don't engage in awareness is because it hasn't touched their lives. They don't know anyone who has been through one. They might say they want to be organ donors, but haven't the slightest clue about how to register. They don't see the importance and need for organ donation and it just doesn't become a priority to them. So our message gets left behind.
How do I share my story with the world? How do I share how important registering as an organ donor is? How can I show you just what life is like waiting for an organ transplant? How can I help as just one person. And to be honest I can't.
I share some of my deepest thoughts and frustrations, and still after 9 years of this, I still have people who send me messages and tell me that I sound dramatic and that it can't really be as bad as I make it sound. I have had people ask me why I share such personal thoughts and information if not for attention. Yes its for attention. Not personal attention and pity. At all! I don't share anything on social media I wouldn't feel comfortable talking about in real life. I am just trying to share what life really is like for me. 100% honest and raw. Because if you get anything from me that will be it.
So here is a question for you! Do you have any questions about organ donation? Do you have a question about me or my health that you have wanted to ask me? Has organ donation touched your life or the life of someone you know? I'm thinking I will share a Q and A this month. So ask away! I can't wait to see what you have for me.
If you haven't registered to be an organ donor, hit the "Be an organ donor" tab up top and get it done!
And FYI, Green! The Donate Life Ribbon is Green. Wishing everyone a fabulous Thursday!
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