The Club’s guest speaker this morning was Ms. Lorrie Smith of the Atlanta transplant Foundation. She spoke to the Club about organ transplants.
According to Club member George Scheer…Mark Anthony stated” The good that so many of us could do, we fail to do. The good that men do is oft interred with their bones.” But in the Bible, Adam had the right idea, according to George. He donated a rib. Lord knows how that donation changed the world.
And so it is. A kidney or cornea and other human organ transplant which is so desperately needed, could be available and could enrich or save a life after we have gone.
More than 91,000 Americans are in need of an organ transplant to save their life. A new name is added to the list every ’16 minutes’.
Donations at death include: heart, intestines, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, eyes, tissue, skin, bones, heart valves, tendons, cells and cartilage.
Organ donation does not disfigure the body. Organ recipients are selected based on need, blood type, body size, and tissue type. The age of the donor is irrelevant. A 95 year old woman could have the heart of a 16 year old depending on her medical condition at death.
The Georgia Transplant Foundation is the primary source for patient transplant assistance and support for all organ transplants in the state of Georgia.
Many people fear organ donation, but every attempt is made to save your life before your organ status is revealed. By Georgia law, a ‘different team of doctors’ remove your organs only after you have been declared medically and legally dead.
You can register to become an organ donor at your local Division of Motor Vehicles when you renew your driver’s license. You will be given an Uniform Donor Card to complete.
Speak to your family about your decision, whether you choose to donate or not. They are the ones who will make the decision as the next of kin, if they do not know your wishes or you have not specified in your living will.
Organ donation does not cost you or your family anything at all.
Our guest speaker is herself, an organ recipient. She received a liver transplant some five years ago. As a result of this experience, she is now actively involved with the Georgia Transplant Foundation.
Unfortunately, few people in Georgia are aware of the desperate need as well as the ease in which one can become a donor. There is a preconceived notion upon death, the organs of human body, should not be touched. This prejudice is hard to overcome.
Chief Greeter/Club Administrator Sam Goggin recognized Club member Jim Pilcher for bringing Mr. Kevin Isaakson to our meeting. He is a 'native Georgian', born and bred here n our lovely State.
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