Are you an organ donor? If not, why?

[julietchicago]

Are you an organ donor? If not, why have you chosen not to be?

I am currently NOT an organ donor. I guess when I first got my license, I was young and selfish and could never imagine giving up any part of me when I leave this earth.

Now that I am a little older, and have matured a lot since then, my views are starting to change. I'm not sure I want to change my mind just yet, but wanted to see why others chose not to be a donor.

Thanks in advance. ;)

[Sposa06]

Yep! By the time it could help someone else, I won't need it anymore! Makes no sense to me not to be!

Edited to add: I responded after reading your first question ... just read your whole post, and I'm sorry I'm not really relevant!

[Asha]

Yes.

[Darin's Girl]

I am! I beg all of you to please, please, please become an organ donor! My husband is currently on the waiting list for a kidney, so I have become an organ donor advocate. I would glady give him my kindey if I was a match, but I'm not. :(

If it's not listed on your DL- you can print out cards at this website to carry with you:

http://www.organdonor.gov/signup1.html

[lawyerlee]

I do wish to be an organ donor. It is listed on my driver's license, and my husband and parents are fully aware of my desire. :)

[Rancid13]

Yes! I am...I've ALWAYS been an organ donor, ever since I got my license. I figure if I die and parts of my innards are still in good enough condition that they can be used to save someone elses's life, then by all means they shall be theirs, as I would be done using them and have no need for them anymore (as morbid as that sounds). :)

[kalogrias]

Yes, I am an organ donor. It is on my license, and my husband and mother are aware of this...though I had the most God-awful fight with my mother about it because she was telling me it was against the Judaic laws...I told her it was more of a mitzvah (good deed) to save a life, and that saving a life is sanctioned above all. And she backed down.

[jaeger]

I decided a few years ago to be an organ donor. I hope that my death can help save a life.

[Noniitis]

Wow strange this would come up our roomates girlfriend just showed me the letter from the Mother of the little boy whose liver her mother now has sent there family today. I hope you follow that. Her mother had been waiting for a liver waiting for a liver for 5 years. It was really very emotional to read but it really brings a little light at the end of a tragic accident her 5 year old when through.

I have been a donor since I first got my license.

[bookworm]

I have filled out paperwork/made my requests known so I may be one when I die.

If something specific is skeeving you out, you can specify which organs you'll donate (or won't donate).

For example, I know it's ridiculous, but the idea of having my skin or eyes removed really bothers me. I'll be gone, I won't care...but I just can't. So my next of kin knows my wishes, and my card lists the exceptions.

[Annette]

The link doesn't seem to be working. I would like to be a donor, but there isn't a place on my license to add it in.


ETA - I just found this. Texas is creating an organ donor registry.
http://www.wacotrib.com/news/content/news/stories/2005/07/01/20050701wacorgandonation.html

[mel7dog]

I am an organ donor :) since I was 16

[ejs]

Yes, I am. I've signed up for the California Registry (http://www.donatelifecalifornia.org/). It's in my Advanced Healthcare Directive, which all of my doctors have a copy of. All of my family knows.

My mom passed away after receiving a liver transplant too late.

I could cite so many statistics here about people who die waiting for organ transplants. As of 7:47pm EDT today, there are 89,109 people waiting for a transplant. I could also refute the myths that are out there. You can look at www.unos.org or www.donatelife.net for info.

It saddens me that there are people who won't consider being a donor. Perhaps when you or a loved ones needs a donation, your philosophy will change. I just don't think it would be right to accept an organ if you're not willing to donate one. It seems hypocritical to me.

[Reenie]

Yes, I have agreed to be an organ donor. It is on my license and my family is aware of and agrees with my wishes. I hope that, in the event of my death, I can help at least one person. :)

[boilermaker]

I am a registered donor and have been since I got my driver's license at 16. I'm also on the bone marrow national list. I don't give blood though...not enough iron in my blood.

I guess it never occured to me not to be a donor. I certainly won't need anything once I have passed on, esp since I want to be cremated.

[TMat13]

DH and I were just talking about this last weekend. A 12 year old girl that we knew died tragically last week and her mother unselfishly donated 9 of her organs to help others. If I'm gone, it will be a complete waste to be buried with organs that can help someone else live. I ask myself what is must feel like to be waiting on a transplant and hoping another person's family can make that difficult decision. I have told both my husband and my mom and hope that if that time ever comes and I can donate, that my family will make that decision for me.

[kmmommy]

I've always been a donor. It's been on my drivers license since I was 18 and before that I had told my parents to donate my organs. DH is also a donor as are almost all of our other family members.

I feel good about the thought that I could save someone else's life when mine is over.

[miaclear]

I always hate it when people say they are an organ donor. Aren't you only a donor after you actually give something? Aren't you actually just saying you'd like to be a donor or that you are a registered donor?

I get irritated with this because my brother was a donor and I'd like to believe he is part of a special club. He donated his heart, his liver, his kidneys and his pancreas. Untill he actually donated them he was just another person who believed in organ donation.

Also...just because you are registered or you have a sticker or a check mark on your license doesn't mean you will become a donor. Your family will have final say. Make sure they know what your wishes are. That can not be expressed enough.

We've communicated with all of my brother's recipients by mail and have actually had a great relationship with the man who recieved his heart. He even came to my wedding last year. This man was sent home to die because there was nothing left to be done for him and the prospect of a donor becoming available seemed to be slipping away. No later than 24 hours after he got home did he get the phone call to fly back to the hospital. He's been doing great ever since (the transplant was in April 2002).

[msnicolea]

Both DH and I are "potential" donors (in deference to miaclear). ;) --we have living wills and directives that spell this out, too.

[sublime311]

Card carrying organ donor here, baby!! :D

http://www.albany.edu/main/features/2003/03-03/recyclelife/greenlogo.jpg

[stevesbabygirl]

I want to be an organ donor, I think it is an honorable thing to do. However, I was one of the people who believed myth #1 on one of the websites posted above, that if the ER knows I'm an organ donor, they won't work as hard to save me. If that really isn't true, I have no problem donating everything.

[charliezangel]

i'm not a REGISTERED organ donor. However, when I renew my license with my new name this weekend, i will have it put on. My husband and family also know that i want to be a donor when i pass. OP, I know how you feel, for a ong time I felt the same way. But then i watched my grandfather die of cancer and a new kidney could have saved him, or at least given him a longer lease on life. Please reconsider.

[Kimberland30]

I just wanted to extend condolences to those who have posted that have lost a loved one or a friend. Death is a tragic thing no matter what the circumstances, and for your loved one to have donated organs so others could live/live more fully is just awesome.

I am a (future) organ donor. It says so on my license and my family knows my wishes. Both my parents are also, as well as my DH - who wasn't when I first met him but has since changed his mind because I gave him such a hard time about it. It's a personal choice for anyone and I would never tell someone they had to...but he's different :) My daughter will be getting her drivers license in February and she'll be a future organ donor also.

[JillyBean]

If something were to happen to me, I would want my organs donated.

[MurphysLaw]

I'm listed as a (future) donor on my DL too. I lost my dad to an auto accident when I was 15. It wouldn't have helped for anyone to donate any organs because his death was almost instant, but if I could have donated anything to keep him here I would have. I think the same thing about others in need, they are all *someone's* family.

DH's father is with us today after receiving 2 livers(his body rejected the first). He just had his "7 years with a working liver" anniversary....7 years that he and his family have lived TOGETHER because of the unselfish act of organ donation! :D

[tlew12778]

I registered at my last license renewal. Before that I wasn't really sure how I felt about it. I don't know why. I think I was scared that I might not be totally dead or something (stupid I know).

One day I decided I wanted to be cremated. This was right after FFIL died actually. Once I made that decision, signing up to be an organ donor just made the most sense. Plus FH is a surgeon and I know he would not let them take anything unless he knew that absolutely everything possible was done to save my life.

That said, there is actually tacit consent in Italy anyway so it really makes no difference that I am signed up on the registry (but I am signed up in the US not in Italy). Here they will take your organs so long as you don't have something explicitly stating your desire to NOT donate them.

I find it very odd that NYS does not print the little heart thing on the driver's license.

[mmeblue]

When I first got my driver's license (in Georgia), I could get a discount on the fee if I signed up to become an organ donor. So I did. Even though the thought is a little icky to me, I won't be aware of what's going on, so it doesn't really matter. Plus, I know that if I ever need an organ, or if someone who's close to me does, I want there to be the greatest possible chance of finding one, so I think people should sign up if they possibly can. If I'm willing to accept one, I think I should be willing to give as well.

I was surprised when I moved to Florida and got my license here...no discount for signing up to become an organ donor. I figured it was the same all over, and I think that's one thing Georgia definitely has over Florida - providing that little extra incentive for the person who doesn't care either way. (Actually, I just looked it up online and apparently Georgia's donor discount doesn't exist any more as of this month. Too bad. :( )

[KeliAnn]

I am a registered organ donor, and I have a living will that states the same.

[dionysia]

Another (potential) donor here!

Di

[paiger]

I am a registered donor and have been since I got my driver's license at 16. I'm also on the bone marrow national list. I don't give blood though...not enough iron in my blood.

I guess it never occured to me not to be a donor. I certainly won't need anything once I have passed on, esp since I want to be cremated.
I could have written this post as this is exactly just like me. Kinda strange!
(sidenote to boilermaker) I try to give blood on a regular basis, but I'm always declined. To get enough Iron, I have to make myself sick from taking so many iron pills! I do it if I have enough time to prepare, but I haven't been on any kind of notification list. I need to do that around here. I get my iron checked regularly, and it isn't low enough anymore (it was when I was younger) to be on an actual Iron pill on a regular basis. I need to do better taking regular vitamins!

[katmg]

Yup. I'm a (potential) donor.

One of the saddest things about my brother's death was that we wanted to donate his organs (and fulfill his wishes) and were unable. (Seemed like one more blow at time that was very sad.)

Definitely make your wishes known to your families! My parents and DH know my wishes. I've threatened to haunt them if they're not honored. ;)

[shopaholic]

I currently am not a donor. No specific reason really. Hopefully this does not offend.

[keska]

I am a organ donor, but I am aware that some people hold religious beliefs that organ donation is not appropriate or is limited to certain immediate circumstances (i.e. to save someone's life but not to donate to science).

[Vane5/06]

I am a organ donor ;)

[PG-rated]

I'm registered as a potential donor, but DH is one of those people who believe that they won't try as hard to save you if they know you're a potential donor. :rolleyes: I'm working on him and hope to get him signed up when his license comes up for renewal.

[Vishenka69]

I'm not a donor. Has something to do with Jewish rules of the whole body being in tact for the burial which also has to take place within 24-48 hours after death (or as soon as physically possible). I don't know the exact wording of the rule but I know we're not even allowed to have autopsies.

[AttyGrl74]

Yup.

Part me out like a wrecked car when I die.

[emmjay]

I have requested to be an organ donor since I started driving, but I don't think my husband and I have ever discussed it and I've definitely never discussed it with the rest of my family - I'll have to do that.

I just think it's the right thing to do - like others have said, I won't need my organs anymore once I'm gone! Plus my new SIL is probably going to need a liver transplant at some point (she is fine now but she has a liver disease), so that is even more motivation for me.

[KrissyCat7]

I am an organ donor, and I really hope that when I die my organs will be used. I think that is the best gift anyone can give another person. :-)

[Chimichanga]

Yes, I want to be an organ donor when I pass away.

My dad and I had a huge discussion about this when I got my license. He did not want me to sign up for it; he thought doctors wouldn't try hard enough to save my life, etc. He's since understood my decision and will honor it.

DH, my mom and my sister know of my wishes.

My uncle just recently received a kidney. I had myself tested to see if I was a match - I wasn't. Neither was his wife or two of his three sons (the third was a match but was not in good enough health to donate). He got a kidney from a donor and it saved his life.

[ysolde]

I signed up to be an organ donor when I was 10. I had spent every other summer of my life at Boston Children's Hospital, having orthopaedic surgeries, and I met a lot of kids in the hospital, some of whom needed organ for transplant. It seemed silly to me, even then, that my organs should go to waste if I were to die.

My parents have known of my wishes since then, and DH knows, too. He also knows that I prefer cremation, but I know that he really dislikes the thought, so I have told him that, after all of my usable organs have been donated, he can bury my body if he wishes. My spirit will always be with him.

[jnshanna]

Yep, I have been since I originally got my license as a teenager. I figure that I won't need them so why not help someone else to live? If it's my time to go I'd like to go out helping someone else.

[mb1197]

Both Dh and I hope to be organ donors after we pass if at all possible.

[cocoa_femme]

My husband and I are both organ donors. Mainly because organ donation numbers are so low in the African-American community, and I want to help as many people as I can.

Also, we want to be creamated, so we won't need them anyway.

[sunshineab622]

I am an organ donor

[msnicolea]

I work at a University Hospital and a lot of people here have these bumper stickers:

http://www.transplantawareness.org/images/prod/bmp_heaven_knows.gif

[paisleydays]

This thread makes my heart so happy. :D

I am definitely a future organ donor. My father received a kidney almost 16 years ago. I am always eternally grateful for the young man's family who decided to donate his organs when he died. Without their generosity, I would have never had all these extra years of memories with my dad (including him walking me down the aisle when I got married).

I am so pleased to see so many people willing to be so equally generous. Thank you from the family of one organ recipient.

[Neen]

I am also a "future" organ donor and so is my daughter (I signed her up when she got her ID card/driving permit).

I think it's the ultimate gift you can give. I'm sure it's not an easy choice to make I'm sure, and I hope if something would happen to me, my family would follow my wishes. I have also decided that if something should happen to one of my children (God forbid!) that I would be able to give this gift so that someone elses loved one may have a chance.

[msnicolea]

Are any of you who are not donors willing to talk about why? It's never been a question for me, so I'm really curious what would influence your decision!

[BethIrish]

Yup, I'm an organ donor. I'm also on the National Marrow Transplant list. I had a potential match a few years ago...I went for the additional testing and I either didn't turn out to be a match or the patient changed his/her mind about having the transplant.

[msnicolea]

I really need to sign-up for the marrow list--I keep meaning to do that!

[hockeybrat]

I am listed as an organ donor. I hope my parts will end up helping someone else when I am gone.

[bensgirl1222]

I am listed as a donor and have been since I got my license but I have been wanting to change it. idk why but the thought of someone cutting me up to give away my parts freaks me out. I think Id rather be buried with them.

[Mrs. M.]

Yup. Says so on my license, too.

[julietchicago]

Are any of you who are not donors willing to talk about why? It's never been a question for me, so I'm really curious what would influence your decision!

I am the OP of the thread, and currently not an organ donor. I guess due to my beliefs, or uncertainties, about what happens to us after we die have a lot to do with my decision. Death has always been a huge fear of mine (i'm sure i'm not alone here?). The thought of my organs being taken from inside of me after I die, just not appealing. I know, I will be dead, why does it matter? It just does to me.

I know being an organ donor can save lives, but I still just can't get the vision of my body being torn up after I die :confused:

For a family member, or close friend, I would give any body part needed..dead or alive.

I have come a long way from when I first got my license and chose 'NO' to be an organ donor. I may change my mind when I go to renew my license. I think as you get older, you look at life differently and you see what truly is important. Of course helping to save a life is way on the top of the list.

Thanks for all the responses. :D

[msnicolea]

I am the OP of the thread, and currently not an organ donor. I guess due to my beliefs, or uncertainties, about what happens to us after we die have a lot to do with my decision. Death has always been a huge fear of mine (i'm sure i'm not alone here?). The thought of my organs being taken from inside of me after I die, just not appealing. I know, I will be dead, why does it matter? It just does to me.

I know being an organ donor can save lives, but I still just can't get the vision of my body being torn up after I die :confused:

For a family member, or close friend, I would give any body part needed..dead or alive.

I have come a long way from when I first got my license and chose 'NO' to be an organ donor. I may change my mind when I go to renew my license. I think as you get older, you look at life differently and you see what truly is important. Of course helping to save a life is way on the top of the list.

Thanks for all the responses. :D

Thank you for sharing your perspective!

[miaclear]

Why would a Dr not want to try their hardest to save you? I don't understand this myth. Wouldn't a dr hate to have the reputation of "the Doctor with the most deaths under his belt"....makes no sense! No sense.

Interesting tidbit I learned when I went through volunteer training. Here in Texas they used to have the yes/no mark for organ donation on drivers licenses. Problem they had was that most people didn't mark yes or no because they didn't want to make that decision in a line at the DMV. So they'd leave it blank. What did the DMV do? They marked the license as a No...cause there had to be something in that spot. Now they don't even ask the question. There are stickers you can put on your license if you'd like.

As the sister of an organ donor: It made my ability to deal with my brothers death so much easier. I know Fred is still out there helping others. And that his spirit has gone on...just like anyone elses would have. The man who recieved my brothers heart was my dad's age, he had two kids me and my brother's age. He's now lived more than three years with Fred's heart and has a good prognosis to live many more.

Fred expressed his wishes long before he passed away that he wanted to be a donor. This made it a LOT easier on our family. We had spent a week in a hospital waiting room with hopes of him recovering only to have to make this decision. Since Fred made the decision for us it wasn't even discussion. It was one less thing for us as a family to worry about at such an awful time. TALK TALK TALK to your families, even if you're registered or if you have it marked on your license....you are not going to be an organ donor unless your family gives their consent. Let them know your wishes.

[ejs]

Miaclear, I totally hear what you're saying. We had known for years that my mom would need a liver transplant, so we did so much research into the whole process. I'm amazed that with all of the resources available, people still believe the myths.

Someone posted earlier that Judaism does not allow organ donation. That is not necessarily true. There are many "branches" that do.

While I think it would be wonderful if the US was an informed consent country, and it has been debated many times, UNOS has decided that it shouldn't be.

If you decide to donate, as people have said, PLEASE tell your family. They can override your wishes. Also, complete an Advanced Healthcare Directive.

My dad and I spent a month in the ICU waiting room while my mom was sick. We befriended a family whose son had been in a car accident. Sadly, the son was declared brain dead and could not be kept alive without machines. The family decided to remove him from the machines and let him pass, but they also decided to donate his organs. They told us it was because they had met us and heard our story. They had never considered organ donation until they met people whose lives were effected by it.

Julietchicago, you said, "For a family member, or close friend, I would give any body part needed..dead or alive." Does it really matter to you whose life you save after you are dead?

[jeneca128]

As a nurse that works in the neuro-ICU I see a lot of patients that meet donor criteria. It is amazing the amount of families that will not donate organs. Many do hold the beleif that not as much will be done for them if they are organ donors, but this is entirely not true. Until the moment someone is pronounced brain dead, we work just as hard to save them as we would anyone else. In fact the staff from the donor network will not even approach the family until this occurs.

even if you're registered or if you have it marked on your license....you are not going to be an organ donor unless your family gives their consent. Let them know your wishes.

This actually depends on the state. Nevada is a first person consent state. If it is on your license or our state registry then we don't need family consent. There are other states like this too..although I don't know which ones.
It is ALWAYS best to make your wishes known

This is kind of off topic, but getting a living will is so important. So many people do not have them, and it's a horrible thing to watch distraught family members bickering over if a loved one would want to be kept on life support or not. I don't want my family to ever have to wonder what i would want.

[MrsWilson]

As a nurse that works in the neuro-ICU I see a lot of patients that meet donor criteria. It is amazing the amount of families that will not donate organs. Many do hold the beleif that not as much will be done for them if they are organ donors, but this is entirely not true. Until the moment someone is pronounced brain dead, we work just as hard to save them as we would anyone else. In fact the staff from the donor network will not even approach the family until this occurs.

This is kind of off topic, but getting a living will is so important. So many people do not have them, and it's a horrible thing to watch distraught family members bickering over if a loved one would want to be kept on life support or not. I don't want my family to ever have to wonder what i would want.

As another nurse, I agree! And for those in TN, your family decides what happens to your organs! Tell them your wishes! I think in Memphis, we only had about 30 people be organ donors last year. Think about how many people passed away that could have been donors, but their families said no. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always call the national organ donation organization. I have been to one of their speeches and it is amazing!

[julietchicago]

Julietchicago, you said, "For a family member, or close friend, I would give any body part needed..dead or alive." Does it really matter to you whose life you save after you are dead?

In general, I would give anything to save a family member. I am very close to my family and love them dearly. Basically, if my sister needed a kidney, I would not think twice about it. Would I do it for a stranger? No, sorry.

Like I said, I am strongly considering becoming a donor, just not 100% sure yet...I guess I need to take care of my issues w/ death first and then maybe I can see beyond my fears and truly see the benefits.

[Sposa06]

Well, even if your whole body is buried, all in one piece, the whole thing will decay eventually. And then what good will it do you, wherever you are? Why not use your death to save a life?

[Cricket4]

I read this thread yesterday, and by sheer coincidence I got a call this evening from the National Bone Marrow registry. I've been identified as a preliminary match for someone with Hodgkins.

I am so eager to go through this process and hopefully help out, and the timing, having read all of these wonderful stories yesterday, just lifts my spirits.

Wish me luck!

[LittleFredPunkinHead]

I'm a future donor. I just talked to my husband about it though, and he does not want to donate. Y'know, I don't care what other people do, but I'm disappointed in him about this. Luckily for those who need organs and unluckily for him, I'm a bit of an ass and I'll harass him about it until he changes his mind.

[Twylla]

I'm also willing to donate anything useable after I die. I sure as heck won't need anything!

However, I can't donate blood. i've tried, heaven knows, but everytime I go through the whole process of testing and filling out the forms, then I get to sit/lay down for the process to begin.... and I freak out. I hyperventilate and cry and sweat uncontrollably. It's awful.

Luckily, I won't be able to freak out after I die.

[Katie&Micah]

My mom had a kidney transplant early Friday morning with a donor kidney. I just wanted to thank everyone who has registered to become a donor. It really does change lives.

If you haven't already registered to become a donor, please do!

You can sign up here. (http://www.organdonor.gov/donor/registry.shtm)

[kimbyj]

Well, I checked the box on my DMV paperwork as a "NO" because there was no room to identify any specifications I have. Instead I completed a card for a registry and mailed that in. I carry that card next to my DL. I am willing to have my organs donated except for my heart and my eyes. It's a personal thing - i just believe my heart is my soul and I would want that traveling with me wherever I end up. And, I would be afraid not to be able to "see" people from my past should I ever make it to the pearly gates. It may sound hokey to some but it's just my personal belief for myself.

A few years ago I tried to be tested for bone marrow donation and they flat out refused me because I have asthma...WTF? That was particularly disappointing to me b/c some of you may remember that my BF had sickle cell anemia and I tried to be tested for her. She died 2.5 years ago...without having a transplant match.

Also, for years I was also unable to donate blood b/c I had anemia.

[MLA]

Katie&Micah -- I'm so glad to hear about your mom. My brother received a kidney from his wife a year ago last Valentine's Day, actually. It's such an amazing gift to give!

It's funny that this thread was bumped up because just this weekend I was thinking about how, as I get older, I care less and less about my body being "whole" in death. When I was younger, I wasn't an organ donor because for some reason it freaked me out. Now I'm a donor and have no issues with people taking any and all of my organs once I'm gone. I won't be using them, so if someone else can be helped with them, then by all means, I want them to go to good use!

[betsyboop]

Someone posted earlier about not many african americans donating and it made me curious- do they take race into account when matching people? Sorry, I don't know much about this, but does race matter?? I don't know, that really surprised me when I read that.

I don't think there's anything on my license about being a donor, but I have spoken about it to DH and we are both willing to be donors if the situation presents itself.

[Cricket4]

How sad that my post from so long ago is still on the last page of this thread. I got misty reading it, because I was never able to donate my bone marrow to the guy who needed it so much, because I was diagnosed with my own cancer shortly afer.

I was really devastated to discover that my type of cancer precludes me from EVER AGAIN donating my bone marrow, organs, or even blood. Forever. I hope people will step up to the plate and donate in my place, because I'm now not able to do so. This is a great thread, and I hope it keeps up. Congratulations, Katie.

[Katie&Micah]

Thanks everyone. I'm really excited for my mom. This will certainly change her life. So far she's doing well and the kidney is producing so that's great! Please donate. Even if you don't want to donate all your organs. Just 1 could save someone's life. It doesn't just affect that one person it affects their family and friends also.

[isaacsmommy]

I am a (potential) donor as well. I would encourage anyone who wants to be a donor to see if your state has an online registry. Signing the back of your DL isn't legally binding (at least not in my state) therefore it would still be up to your family to make the decision. I have been the nurse to a couple of patients who have been donors, it truely is a wonderful thing.

[isaacsmommy]

Oh and just so people are clear, most the time they don't harvest entire eyes just corneas. The state organ donation association where I live always makes it a point to tell people that if you donoate you can still have an open casket funeral and noone will be able to tell.

[hmbay]

I am an organ donor. I had a professor in college run out of class the first day of class because they had finally found a match for his heart transplant. That made a lasting impression on me. However I do know my mother and DH are both bothered by my choice. My father supports it and is also an organ donor. I hope if my death ever happens in a way that allows my organs to be donated that DH will honor my wishes but I can't say for sure that he will--I know he feels the drs won't work as hard to save me if they know I'm a donor thanks to some article he read in Playboy :rolleyes: . The thought does somewhat skeeve me out about being cut apart but I also feel that once I'm dead I no longer need my body and will not know what is happening to me so why shouldn't I give someone else the chance to have another few years with their spouse or kids or parents or whoever is important to them.

[Rosebud]

That's great, Katie! Best wishes to your Mom.

I have the sticker on my DL saying that I would like to donate my organs. However, this thread is a good reminder that this should also be discussed with your family so they know what you prefer. My parents certainly know that I'd want to donate organs if anything happened to me, but I don't know if DH does. It just hasn't come up. Discussions about organ donation and living wills often don't happen until it's too late, sadly.

For those who cannot donate organs due to illness, there are sometimes other options available. My grandmother got polio in her twenties, so she could not donate her organs. However, she decided to donate her entire body to a university that does research into the long-term health implications of polio. She felt very strongly about letting her misfortune benefit someone else, and it did give us some comfort when she passed because we knew some good would come of it for others. If you have a condition that makes you not a suitable organ donor, you can always look into a similar option if you like.

[Chelsea524]

I am a (future) donor. I agree with others that state if I ever needed a transplant and would take it then I should also be willing to give. I also donate blood every chance I can (can't right now because of pregnancy). My family and DH know my wishes on this, DH is not listed as a donor but says it is up to me at that point. When my FIL died a few years ago he was listed as a donor but MIL and SIL said they didn't want anything taken, that makes me so sad that his final wish was not granted because of selfish reasons, I can understand it would be a hard decision to make at that point but if it was already made by the person who died I think it should be followed, as hard as it may be to let go.