Donate Life: Organ donation makes a difference
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It's not an easy thing to think about, but organ donation is one of the best ways we have of ensuring we do the most good -- even to the end.
Of course, not all organ donation occurs at the end of a person's life. But in most cases, those decisions can involve conversations in real-time, rather than planning for the future.
During a ceremony Monday at the WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center campus, organizers celebrated Donate Life Month with the help of Jennifer Smith, chief operating officer for Lifeline of Ohio.
"My brother John passed away in July. He donated his corneas to restore sight to two people," Smith said. "We are proud of him. He became a hero."
Donate Life Month is a good time to think about our own wishes when it comes to being an organ donor, but also a good time to convey those wishes to loved ones -- perhaps even register (organdonor.gov/sign-up is a good place to start).
"For the past 21 years, it's been a time of education and advocacy as we encourage those in our community to say 'yes' to donation," said Carol Grove, Camden Clark chief nursing officer.
CCMC's ceremony was also an opportunity to honor those who have already made the decision. They truly are heroes who gave others a second chance at life; and their families should be proud.
Upon watching the ascent of a "Donate Life" flag during the ceremony, Camden Clark President and CEO Steve Altmiller said "People will see the flag and think about those families, individuals, and their contributions."
For the receivers of their gifts, those contributions mean everything.