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Tag Archives: transplant

04 Mar

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Frequently Asked Questions

Age Is Not A Reason To Remove Yourself From The Registry

When thinking about why someone may remove themselves from the registry, age is often a topic of discussion. Donate Life California gets numerous calls of Californians thinking they are too old to donate. The truth is, don’t rule yourself out! Every person is different and because of this we have had organ donors at the age of 93 and older become donors. Let the medical professionals at that time determine if you would be a suitable donor.

Not Satisfied? Meet Carlton

Carlton lived in Texas, a retired teacher and devoted father. His friends and family would describe him as a remarkable person who never stopped teaching his family about the many wonders of the world. Just nine days shy of his 93rd birthday, he became an organ donor. Carlton’s wife and children made the decision to donate Carlton’s liver following his death from a brain hemorrhage.

Thanks to that decision, a 69-year-old woman suffering from end-stage liver disease is alive. Carlton is the perfect example that age is no barrier to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor.

Think about Carlton next time you are considering your options and reflect on how important it is to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor regardless of age. To register today or check your registry status go to: www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org or you can call our hotline at 1-866-797-2366.

19 Feb

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News

Black History Month – Organ Donation Facts

Let’s celebrate and honor Black History Month

When we think of Black History Month, organ donation is not the first thing that comes to mind, but it is important to bring to light facts affecting this community. According to the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, among all ethnic groups, African Americans are least likely to receive a living kidney donation. This statistic hits hard when over 33% of the individuals on the United States transplant waiting list are African American. This gives an opportunity to bring together the African American community through an organization called AMAT (Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation).

AMAT is the industry leader in educating communities of color on organ donation as well as bringing together the Donate Life community to inspire change. AMAT and Donate Life California hope to lessen the impact of these facts by sharing stories of African Americans who have chosen to be living kidney donors to help their own family or community. Here is a link to some of these incredible stories from AMAT: http://amat1.org/stories-of-hope/

 

#BeLikeTrish

 

22 Jan

By

in
Frequently Asked Questions

Talk To Your Family: The Decision To Donate Does Not Go Away

The decision to be an organ and tissue donor does not go away. If you are not registered or remove yourself from the Donate Life California Donor Registry, the decision is left to your family. This is why it is so important to have the conversation about your wishes with them. Although this conversation can be difficult, it could give your family comfort in knowing what you would have wanted.

Here are some ideas on how to approach the conversation using common situations:

  • I just went to the doctor and I need to talk to you about what I would want if something were to happen to me.
  • After watching that movie and seeing what a beautiful memorial they had, I really want to talk to you about what I would want.
  • Did you know that one person can save eight lives as an organ donor? What do you think about being a donor?
  • Have you gone to the DMV recently? I saw the question they asked about being and organ or tissue donor and I wanted to talk to you about my decision.
  • I know you don’t want to think about anything happening to me, but I feel like it is important for you to know what I would want if I wasn’t here to make these decisions.

Here are some great resources for a living will or advanced care directive:

Now, if you are registered on the Donate Life California Donor Registry, the organ procurement organization staff who would approach your family is able to search the registry. With that search, a Document of Gift is generated from the registry that explains the legally binding decision of what your wishes are. This document also includes any specific organs or tissues that you may not want to donate. If you are wondering how to make these limitations, you can go to www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org and click on “Your Registration” and then “Update Donor Profile Page”. You can then be specific in what you do or do not want to donate.Once you have had that conversation with your family and you wish to register, go to https://register.donatelifecalifornia.org/register.