APRIL 18, 2010

We are blessed to live at a time when our technology enables us to conquer many different kinds of disease. Here in the United States, we have already eradicated polio, smallpox and malaria, and efforts are underway to beat these diseases across the globe. Advancements in medicine have also enabled us to help those affected by diseases that used to be fatal, and help these residents live full, happy lives.

One of the medical advancements that has done a great deal to save lives and improve an individual's quality of life is organ transplantation. Science has made radical advancements over the past 50 years, and what once seemed like fantasy – transplanting an organ for use by another – is now a reality that has saved countless lives.

Unfortunately, the number of people in need of organs far exceeds the availability of healthy organs. For many different procedures, the waiting list for organs is months long – a wait that sadly, many do not survive. As of April 5, the national waiting list for all organs was 106,759, with about 3,000 of those right here in Michigan.

April is National Donate Life Month, and I encourage you to consider becoming an organ donor. Most people can donate – no matter how old or how young – and you may still be eligible to donate even if you have a medical condition. Even those with certain medical conditions, such as HIV or hepatitis, may be able to donate to other individuals with the same medical condition.

Organs and tissue may be donated after you pass away, while stem cells, blood, plasma and platelets can be donated at any time. Your decision to be an organ donor may save up to eight lives, while a gift of tissue may help improve the lives of up to 50 sick or injured people, according to Gift of Life Michigan.

Many people have legitimate and understandable concerns about donation, but there are a number of myths out there about the procedure. One of these – that doctors will not work as hard to save your life if you are an organ donor – is absolutely false. By law, your medical team and your transplantation team must be kept separate. Your medical team may not even know that you are an organ donor, and will make every effort to save your life.

I understand that many people may have religious concerns about organ donation. If you have these concerns but would still like to become an organ donor, I encourage you to speak to someone you trust in your religion to express these concerns and ask what their policy is on organ donation.

Please visit giftoflifemichigan.org to find out how you can register as an organ donor today. Through your selfless act, you may give someone many more happy years with their friends and loved one.