WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ORGAN DONATION?

Some of you opted to register as organ donors when you received your driver’s license many moons ago. You may have noticed this symbol on the back of your new license and simply went about your day. But did you know that symbol represents around 120,000 people who are awaiting an organ transplant at any given moment, and only about 33,600 transplants occurred in 2016? Unfortunately the demand drastically exceeds the supply, and another person is added to the waiting list every 10 minutes.

Did you know that kidney transplants account for about 80% of those who are waiting for a compatible organ to save their lives? The average wait time for a kidney transplant from a deceased donor is about 3—5 years. Another important fact to know is that nearly 6,000 living donations take place each year. That means someone who is alive and well has donated an organ or tissue, and that number accounts for about 40% of all donations with a 99.97% survival rate for the donor.

Many of us may not connect with the drastic need for organ transplants because it may not personally affect our lives. But for some of us, like our Maryland division project foreman Paul Villarroel and his wife Jenny, it hits very close to home. Jenny was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy (Berger’s disease), and about 13 years ago she received a kidney transplant that was considered overall successful, even though it was only functioning at about 40% at the time. Since then, there have been additional complications with the transplant and the kidney has begun to fail. She is now in need of another kidney transplant and has been added to the waiting list once again. Paul and Jenny live every day with the fear that she may not receive another transplant in time but also with the hope that creating enough awareness will educate Americans about the need for donors and perhaps even decrease the wait time by a year or two.

About 95% of Americans are in favor of being donors, but only about 54% are registered. Help bridge the gap. Your awareness and selflessness could save a life, and for Jenny and so many others, it may be the only option.

Visit www.organdonor.gov for more information and to register as a donor.