Please become a donor!

[DUK]

I'm sure alot of you are already organ donors. I'm just trying to keep everyone else aware of the shortage of usable kidneys, livers, hearts, etc. My wife was put on the transplant list last Friday for a kidney and the doctors tel me that 4-5,000 people die each year waiting. Now I'm not out for the sympathy nor am I asking for donations. Just want everyone to consider becoming a donor. It's hard to set here and think that we have to wish misfortune on someone else, but I know that if something were to happen to me and I could help someone else it would be great. Thanx for reading this and please consider it, Your fellow Pelican, Duke

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

have my organ donor card in my wallet as we speak.

[Joeaksa]

Been signed up as a donor for over 20 years. My ex-wife did heart transplants and I flew the patients and/or organs to the hospital for many years. Its something very close to our family.

Signing up as a donor is something that everyone should do.

Will say a prayer for your wife and know that we all hope that she gets well and soon.

Joe A

[gassy]

You and your wife are in my thoughts.
Christian.

[pwd72s]

At my age of 62, not many desirable parts left in me. But I sure urge all who post here who ride motorcycles to sign up.

[M.D. Holloway]

Not only an organ donor but also a bone marrow doner as well - always seems to be kids that benefit...

[oldE]

I've been carrying my donor card for years. When I'm done with it, they can have whatever they want, if it's any good. I hate waste.
Les

[David]

Been a blood donor and potential organ donor for close to 20 years, I doubt anyone would want my liver though.

Not too sure about the bone marrow donor thing, sounds painful and risky.

[12own911]

I have been a card carrying member for a number of years... Just not sure if they would want them anymore based on the stroke I had a couple of years ago... But if I die, they can have it all...

[MBAtarga]

I'm reviving this thread - as I want to suggest all of you that are healthy and able to donate blood to do so. Donate at least once - or become a regular donor please! After reading 911T Targa's thread of his preemie nephew (Fighting for his life.) and his need for a transfusion I felt I needed to bring this topic up and after a search found this thread.

Here is my story:

My father died from gastric cancer 9 years ago. He was an 81 YO cigar smoker. When he was admitted to the ICU he was given 3 units of blood. I recall him being a periodic blood donor when he was younger and healthier. Although I had donated blood periodically - it wasn't something that I enjoyed doing. But after hearing about his need for the blood units, I had a "calling" - I'll use the term "take my Dad's place" as a donor. I've been donating consistently since that time - although I did have one year, when after dental work (which involved cadaver tissue) I was not able to donate. On Jan 24th I donated my 40th unit - and got my 5 Gallon pin.

About 3 donations prior - I was asked by the Red Cross nurse if I knew that my blood was CMV Negative. I had never been told this and didn't know what it meant. He explained what CMV Negative meant and told me only about 20% of baby boomer generation do not have the CMV antibody. (Google search results: CMV or Cytomegalovirus is a virus that is not harmful to healthy adults and is found in more than half the population. Donors who have not been exposed to the virus have CMV negative blood, which is important for patients with weakened or underdeveloped immune systems.) The nurse then told me that my blood donations were likely use for newborn/preemies needing blood - since they can not receive CMV Positive blood. So all this time - I had been donating blood in honor of my deceased father, my blood had more likely been going to preemies!

So - suck it up - and go donate blood!

[Rikao4]

folks you need to let your family know...
and demand that they honor your wish..

Lady of the manor hear's about this to often..
the family when approached and informed ...
of the pt wishes....
the family or significant other says NO...
and ends it..

Rika

[shadowjack1]

I have been a card carrying donor for years. But at 69 i'm sure not much is still good. I still give blood, 3x year.

[GH85Carrera]

I have been a donor since the earliest days it was possible on my driver's license and in it in my advance directive.

I have donated over 6 gallons of blood.

[Tobra]

The donor card is not enough, you need to make your family aware of your wishes.

I have donated at least 5 gallons of blood. I found out how they run that business here in California and will never donate blood here.

[SCadaddle]

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

Not only an organ donor but also a bone marrow doner as well - always seems to be kids that benefit...

Michael, my dear friend Valerie that I hooked you up with a few years ago to proctor an exam in Thibodaux LA has in the past been a bone marrow doner. A more giving person I don't think either you or I have ever met in her.

[Racerbvd]

Been a card carrying donor for years.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Originally Posted by Tobra

The donor card is not enough, you need to make your family aware of your wishes.

I have donated at least 5 gallons of blood. I found out how they run that business here in California and will never donate blood here.

How so? I’m curious.

I used to be a regular donor (I’m A- so an uncommon type which they like to get some of). I tested too low on iron last time (possibly due to years of a vegetarian diet and not paying enough attention to it so shame on me) and just haven’t gotten around to going back. If there are shenanigans going on anywhere with the blood supply I’d like to know.

Organ donor too. If I’m dead I don’t need it anymore. I’d love to know maybe it’s useful to someone else - reference the Elsa story.

[Tobra]

In Texas, there is no charge to do a directed donation, and if the blood is not used, they give it to someone else.

In California, there is a $475 fee to do a directed donation, more in certain areas. I asked about it, $500 to give you something that if my wife does not use it, you sell it to someone else for $500.

No, if it is not used, it is destroyed.

I did not realize there was such a glut of blood that it was being discarded like that.

Oh no, there is pretty much a constant shortage.

Why would you throw it away then?

Because there is a higher rate of transmissible disease in directed donations.

Someone is going to give infected blood to a family member, really? Who is your medical director, I would like to speak to them.

Dr Washington, a retired cardiologist is the name they gave me. Problem with that is Dr Washington had been dead for several years when this happened. Did a bit more research and it turns out they can't legally charge to do a directed donation and then give the blood to someone else. Rather than charge a processing fee or something, THEY THROW THE FREAKING BLOOD AWAY.

I still donate whenever I go to Texas, or if I happen to be somewhere other than California and have the time. First time I went to Texas after this happened, I went in to donate blood. They asked me why it had been so long. You were here every other month for 10 years, then nothing, what happened? They did not believe me when I told them how they do it in California. I also have a rare blood type, less than 5% have the same I think. If I recall correctly they felt it would be practically criminal to throw away.

GD Blood Source in California, profiteering on human misery. They will never get a drop of blood from me again.

[911 Rod]

I believe they changed it here in Ontario where when you get your driver's licence renewal you have to mail in the form if you DO NOT want to donate your bits.

Great idea. I don't understand why anyone wound not want to pass it on if it can help someone.