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Join Your Compatriots in Pledging to Save Lives
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Almost 66,000 men, women and children are hoping, some
in vain, that an organ donation will be made that may give them
a chance at a new life or just a few more precious years with
those they love. Every 16 minutes another name is added to the
list. For people whose only chance for another tomorrow is a
new liver, or kidney, or heart, the chance for life and the specter
of death are all consuming, hourly thoughts. It's an agonizing
experience.
YOU can continue to serve by saving the lives of those who
are anxiously awaiting the telephone call that tells them that
a needed organ or tissue is available.
Should you decide to help, here are some things you need to know:
- Your next of kin MUST be aware of your wish to be an organ
donor. Even if you carry an organ donor card or have a driver's
license indicator, unless your next of kin approve at the time
of your death, your wishes will not be honored. We recommend
you print, date and sign the pledge form and give it to your
next of kin. A living will or trust may also be used to communicate
your wishes.
- Organ donor specificity is prohibited by federal regulation.
Upon your death, your organs will go to the next compatible recipient
on the waiting list.
- You are never too old to become an organ donor.
- Advances in pharmacology and surgery have made it possible
to save at least nine lives from just one donor.
For additional information on organ donation and how you
can make a difference, click on the link to the National Transplant Assistance Fund. Once
inside this page, click on the button which says "Organ
and Tissue Donation" for answers to key questions.
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