Reading the R.C.'s site, I see my whacky li'l ticker is the preclusion re: blood donation . Who'da thunk that would be a deterrent.

(Mine's definitely symptomatic, and June 11 the heart monitor comes off. Yippee!!!)

Wer'e going to the Univ on Wed for DS's transplant check up, so I'm going to ask the coordinator about the regulations on donors. It's now piqued my interest to update what I already know about donation.

I do know that our colors are Kelly green for organ donation. I have a green bracelet. We had friend's Mother pass away and at the visitation, they handed out cards w/organ donation info, a green pin attached , a wonderful saying about their Mother on it, plus a website for further information.

I thought that was such a cool thing to do in honor of their Mother. They donated her organs and she looked so peaceful lying there, yet her heart was still beating, elsewhere.

Cool, DM, how about making a list of questions to ask them for us? Then you can print it out and get the facts, ma'am.

They can have any part of me! And I hope I live to an old age and all my parts are still functional at that time. If I'm like my Mom and Dad, my heart will be good right to the last minutes. I'd like my liver, eyes and kidneys to go to someone who needs them as well.

I had always been a full body / organ donor until
2007, they had to remove me off the list after
the extensive lab report results came back as
technology had advanced far more than decades
ago - I cannot be a full body / organ donor no
longer (neither can my son either because of
the genetic issues, he would have to be checked
as well).

The thing about it is - this lab work-up is so
expensive, but the Government approved of it,
as mine needed to be updated anyway, in which
unfortunately after multiple pages - it was not
good news at all. I was removed off immediately
from the Donor database.

=================

My heart did break when I learned of the news
that I could no longer be a donor no more; however
I can still donate my body to Neuroscience, which
they want it. I am currently awaiting for response
as far as what they want so the set up can all be
arranged - so that which they do not want will
go to the next paragraph below:

The Law Enforcement needs bodies badly! They
accept donations, for they use it to train the CSI,
and very few people even KNOW about this.

You can donate what can be used to Living People,
and remainder to Medical Research and Law Enforcement,
they need donations like this badly.

===================

I thought I would post this for those who are unable
to donate at all due to medical or genetic disorders
or other specific criteria - that they can still donate
and receive honors and tribute (to which the survivors
will receive it).

My bits and parts are all up for grabs when I go. If someone else can use them I say have at them! I ain't gonna need them where I am going!

My mom's corneas were used when she died. I got a beautiful letter from the New England Eye Bank telling me that both corneas were used and because of her donation, two people could see. I think she would have liked that, since my oldest brother is totally blind.

I am of the mind that organ donation should be an opt-out rather than an opt-in anyway. It should be standard practice that unless a family specifically objects, donor status is assumed.

That's exactly what I've done, and it's mainly because I adore forensic science.

My Father who has been Diabetic for 35 years brought us 4 children together along with mom to let us know his intentions. Because the disease has taken so much of his body there is not much left to give an organ donation but, since his body is so full of the disease he has contacted the Joslyn Diabetic Clinic in Boston and is donating his body for research. He has been going to the Clinic since he first got this dreadful disease and he has used many Trial-Drugs and Monitors. He did this all on his own. I am so very proud of him.

I did have one brother who threw a fit and said he had to burry his body and Dads response was "No, you will never see my body again, why not give it to a research company to help someone else not have this dreadful disease that is killing me daily?" I will never forget those words.....

I have also signed the back of my DL - and it is in my living will that all the area hospitals have that I will donate what ever anyone needs to help some one else.

Thank you, AMN - this is such an important issue that everyone needs to understand fully. Thanks for helping people get answers.

I know I didn't answer any questions and probably hijacked the thread but there are other ways to help as Southie stated......

I have an excellent idea. If a person has no family so to speak. No one to do the funeral for them, etc. then why not leave the body to science so it can help humanity.

That way, there is NO COFFIN to purchase, no flowers to purchase, no going to the funeral parlor, etc.

You make it known that you want your body donated to science, that the organs are to be used as needed.

That way, you will be appreciated, remembered, and you will have helped research, FOR THE FUTURE.

And if there ARE any family members who think that there is going to be a funeral, or a wake and then they find out that there won't be, well I've thought of that too.

You gather whoever wants to come, to your home. You take a photo of the deceased, you put some nice flowers in front of the photo. And you take a posterboard, and you write. IN MEMORY OF (whatever the name is).

and you write the words (under the IN MEMORY), you write. He is still living on, still helping others. (or whatever you wish to write that might honor the person).

I think this is a very very good idea. Everyone benefits. The people get to say goodbye, because this could be a memorial service. They came to gather, to remember, and they find out that this person did something WONDERFUL, that it was HIS wish!!!

I really can't see anything negative in this.

What do you all think??

Uh, Mel, I think you meant to post this in the Coffins thread.