• That is the number of people who await organ transplants.
• 11,906 is the number of people who received organ transplants between January and May of this year.
• 6,005 is the number of organ donors during that same time period.

Rather sobering statistics, yes?  I was chatting with a friend the other day and learned that a parent of a mutual friend is in need of an organ transplant.  The parent has been on the waiting list and was told that they need this transplant within two years, or…A sobering thought and I certainly don’t want my friend’s parent to become a different kind of statistic. 

Organ donation doesn’t have to come from one who is technically deceased.  Living donation is an option.

According to UNOS - the United Network for Organ Sharing, “the number of living organ donors is more than 6,000 per year. And one in four of these donors isn’t biologically related to the recipient.  By offering a kidney, lobe of a lung, portion of the liver, pancreas, or intestine, living donors offer their loved one or friend an alternative to waiting on the national transplant waiting list for an organ from a deceased donor.”  Bone marrow transplant is also possible for living donation – sign up at marrow.org and get the bone marrow donation facts here.

And according to Donate Life America, “A national report card prepared by Donate Life America shows an increase of 9 million donor designations over the last 18 months, bringing the total number of registered donors in the United States to nearly 80 million. Even with this great success, there is still a shortage of donors and much work to be done.”  As you can see, it is important to sign the back of your driver’s license stating you want to be an organ donor AND you sign up at Donate Life Today. 

Fact: Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.

Fact: All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.

Fact: If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ, eye and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased.

Fact: When you are on the waiting list for an organ, what really counts is the severity of your illness, time spent waiting, blood type, and other important medical information, not your financial status or celebrity status.

Fact: An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.

Fact: There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ or tissue donation.

Fact: Signing a donor card and a driver’s license with an “organ donor” designation may not satisfy your state’s requirements to become a donor. Be certain to take the necessary steps to be a donor and ensure that your family understands your wishes.

Please make sure to mark your driver’s license, sign up at Donate Life Today, and discuss your wishes with your family.  You could save a life.

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Sunday Spotlight

• Diane Schuller at Diane Schuller Lifestyle Photography had an important post this week about posting photos online and of posting children’s photos online, especially on photo sharing sites such as flickr.  Worth a read and the photo of her dog is fantastic!
• Christopher Bloor at Christopher Bloor Photography made a switch this past week to a different blogging platform and a new template.  His new blog looks fantastic!  Excellent work, Christopher!!

I’m going to take another break from blogging.  I’ve just got way to much to do to get ready for my mom’s visit and the wedding.  This weekend didn’t go as planned, so I am even more behind than I thought I was going to be.  I’ll try to check in during my off moments.  I’ll be back in September!  Thanks for the understanding!!