The need for donors

There are over 4,000 people in Canada right now who are waiting for an organ transplant. If they receive the organ or organs they need, their lives could be saved or greatly enhanced.

Thousands of transplants are performed in Canada each year. Although the number of deceased organ donors have increased in the past decade, the need for organ and tissue donations will only continue to rise over time due to our aging population. The last decade has also seen an increase in the need for organ donation. For example, the incidence of end-stage renal disease has increased quite a bit, causing an increase in the demand for kidney donation.

A new lung may turn their gasping breaths into effortless ones; a new liver or kidney could cleanse their bodies of waste; a new cornea could bring into focus their blurred vision.

At the same time, if would-be recipients don't undergo an organ transplant, death or protracted illness may be the result.

A single deceased donor can provide up to 8 organs for transplantation. Although the number of deceased donors in Canada has increased significantly in recent years, less than a third of Canadians have made arrangements to donate their tissues and organs.

The main organs and tissues donated after a person dies are kidneys, corneas, heart, liver, lungs, pancreas, bowel, bone, eye tissue, and skin.

While the minimum age of consent to be an organ doner can vary by province, there is no age restriction dictating who can and cannot donate their organs. Nothing regarding your final wishes upon your death (i.e., funeral arrangements) changes, and there is no additional charge to you or your family. Your general health and underlying medical history are more important in determining whether or not you could donate your organs. But don't underestimate their usefulness - even if you wear glasses because of poor vision, for instance, you can still donate your corneas.

Although most transplants are from decreased donors, you can also donate certain organs while you're alive. Living donors can donate a kidney, part of their liver, or a lobe of the lung.

So why would you want to donate? Donated organs don't just positively impact the life of the person who receives them – they may also bring purpose to the family of the donor. In fact, studies have shown that families who have donated the organs of a deceased relative feel comforted and consoled knowing their loss has served a dignified purpose.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Organ-Donation-The-Gift-of-Life