William Penn Life, 2000 (35. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2000-10-01 / 10. szám
National Donor Sabbath EXTEND Give a gift that willjs^a lifetime NEXT MONTH, FAITH communities throughout the country will observe a special time as they unite to increase awareness of the critical need for organs and tissues and the miracle of transplantation. The fifth annual "National Donor Sabbath, Nov. 10 to 12, is an interfaith celebration of life that stresses the importance of organ and tissue donation. Religious leaders will spread the good word about organ donation, telling their congregations that choosing to be an organ and tissue donor offers the opportunity to share the greatest gift of all-the gift of life. Most religions in the United States support organ and tissue donation as an honored and compassionate expression of generosity and love. The donation message will be repeated time and again during this special weekend: make a decision about being an organ and tissue donor; sign a donor card; indicate your wishes on your driver's license; and tell your family. "Americans need to know that it is crucial that they share their decisions about donation with their families," said Donna Shalala, secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "For a family who has lost a loved one and is considering the option of donation, knowing the loved one's wishes in advance provides assurance that the right decision is made." Currently, more than 71,000 men, women and children are on the organ transplant waiting list. Donation and transplantation can save lives, yet the need for organs far exceeds the Need convincing? You could help 50 people if you decide to donate your organs and tissue.- Your heart could beat for someone else.- Your lungs could breathe for someone else.- Your kidneys could free two people from dialysis.- Your liver could help a patient waiting fora transplant.- Your corneas could give sight to two people.- Your skin could help many burn victims. supply. A nearly six percent rise in organ donation in 1998 was the first substantial increase in organ donation since 1995. In 1999, nearly 22,000 individuals received an organ transplant. Thousands more critically ill patients could have been helped if more organs were available. An average of 16 people a day now die because the healthy organ that could have replaced their failing heart, kidney, liver, lung or pancreas is not available. "The Sabbath commemorates the gift of life to the world and offers us a chance to reflect on our responsibilities to sustain and enhance the lives of others," said Rabbi Joseph Ron Fish of Bloomfield, Conn. "I see the National Donor Sabbath as a statement of our commitment to life. We shall use our most basic and personal blessings, our bodies, to pass on the gift of life." What can you do to participate in this worthy charitable idea? • Contact local organ and tissue donation organizations to see what activities are being planned for your area. • Talk to the clergy of your house of worship and ask if they're planning to participate. If not, ask if you could plan a donor drive, workshop, prayer breakfast or other activity. • Visit living donors, recipients and transplant candidates at your local hospital. Your participation doesn't have to be limited to one weekend in November. There are a number of simple things you or your branch can do to spread the word about organ and tissue donation throughout the year. For example, you can include information about organ and tissue donation in your branch newsletter, church bulletin or e-mail. Or, you can invite speakers to address your branch meeting, church or other gathering about donation. Your local organ donation organizations would most surely welcome you and your branch's help any time of year. HD Charity Links For more information about the National Donor Sabbath and organ and tissue donation, contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration at: (301)443-7577 or log on for more information at: www.organdonor.gov The Impact: "1 received two corneas and my sight has returned... .1 count among my blessings every day the donors of these two corneas and give thanks for the gifts they gave. It is a beautiful world. I encourage everyone... to consider becoming organ and tissue donors. The gifts you give are meaningful beyond understanding. "-Rev. Pat McKinney, senior minister at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Cincinnati. 6 tober 2000
