Legacy of Life: Organ and Tissue Donation Program, Op-ed

NOTE: The following is an op-ed piece by Dr. Stephen Beed, medical advisor, Legacy of Life: Nova Scotia Organ and Tissue Donation Program.

Two high-profile cases have recently focused media attention on organ and tissue donation. It was widely reported that the family of actress Natasha Richardson consented to the donation of her organs, after her tragic death about a month ago. In Toronto, one set of parents grappled with the reality that their young daughter may die without breathing support as another set anxiously awaited news that their infant would get the heart transplant she desperately needed.

While it has been in the news recently, many Canadians think about this issue every day as they await a transplant, experience the joy of resuming their lives after receiving one, or honour the memory of a loved one who became a donor.

The tragedy that befalls one family offers hope for a better life for many others, providing great comfort and something positive to a family dealing with tragic circumstances. In the Maritimes, at any given time, we have about 300 people waiting for organ transplants.

There are also several thousand tissue transplants each year in Nova Scotia. Tissue transplants can restore sight to a blind person, allow an athlete to run again and give a child a new heart valve so they can grow and prosper. Most people who die, in hospitals or at home, can be tissue donors. Unfortunately, many of the tissues transplanted in the Maritimes need to be imported from the U.S., because we are not identifying enough tissue donors.

The large gap between organs and tissues needed, and those available, is a problem we can address, but the medical community and the public needs to be made more aware.

Organ and tissue donation is one of the greatest gifts that can be given. Today, more than 50 per cent of Nova Scotians are registered as donors. I would like more Nova Scotians to know about the importance of donation, and hope they choose to donate.

There are some misconceptions that need clarification.

People with serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure can still donate some or all of their organs and tissues. Because they usually have fewer health problems, younger donors are typically better candidates for donation, but there is no age limit. Livers have been successfully transplanted from people in their eighties.

All major religions support a person's right to choose to be an organ or tissue donor. This selfless act to help others is encouraged.

Most people who require a transplant are not born with the condition that causes their illness, they develop it. As you consider whether you want to be a donor, think about the real possibility that you or someone you know may someday need a transplant.

The best way to help is to make sure the people close to you are aware that you would like to be a donor.

As April 19 to 26 is organ and tissue donation awareness week in Canada, I encourage Nova Scotians to become aware of the gift that you or your family can bestow on someone else.

You indicate your wish to be a donor through your health card. For more information on how to register to be a donor, visit www.legacyoflife.ns.ca or call MSI at 1-800-563-8880 or 496-7008 in Halifax Regional Municipality.