Facts About Organ Donation
As I have discussed organ donation with friends and associates I am amazed at the wide array of misconceptions that exist. Unfortunately these misconceptions are preventing many people from becoming organ donors. The entire organ donation and allocation process is highly regulated by an independent agency under contract from the department of Health and Human Services, UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing www.unos.org). The process of organ procurement and allocation has been carefully structured to protect both the interests of the donor and the recipient. Despite what has been seen on television recently there is complete separation of the teams that are responsible for obtaining consent from the donor’s family and doing the organ...
Read MoreNew Name and Updated Look
If you are a regular reader you may have noticed that the name and look of this blog has been updated. The address has also been updated to correspond with the new name. The address is now http://onemansstory.com, links to the old address will be redirected to the new one. The reason for the change was in part the changing of the seasons. As spring approaches we tend to evaluate the things in our life and shed off the old in favor of the new. After all spring is a season of rebirth. When I started this blog nine months ago the purpose was to have a forum to share my random memories, thoughts and opinions. When I was diagnosed with liver failure a few weeks later the direction of the blog evolved. It became a forum for me...
Read MoreNational Donate Life Month
April is National Donate Life Month. Established by Congress in 1983 as National Organ Donation Awareness Week it was expanded to full month in 2003 and the name was changed to National Donate Life Month. This change was to allow more time for public awareness events to educate people on the ever growing need for organ donation. To understand the magnitude of the need consider that as of 10:10 pm eastern time today there are 106,783 other people waiting for a transplant along with me. In 2009 (most recent data available) 14,631 people donated organs resulting in 28,464 transplants. Clearly there is a tremendous need that is not being met. A need that is met one donor at a time. A need that you can help meet. “Do you...
Read MoreThree Rivers
Today as of 9:43 am CT there are 104,873 people on the waiting list for some kind of organ transplant. Through August 2009 there have been 38,868 transplants, of which 9,754 were from living donors. Clearly the need for transplant organs far out strips the available supply. There is a significant portion of the population that have not identified themselves as organ donors not because they have an objection, just because they have not thought about it or been motivated to take action. This fall CBS aired a new drama called “Three Rivers.” This is a medical drama that is set in Pittsburg and is centered on the transplant center at the Three Rivers Medical Center. Incidentally while Three Rivers Hospital is fictitious the number one transplant center...
Read MoreCelebrate Life With Me – Paul Cardall
I have appreciated the posts of Paul Cardall on this blog Living for Eden during his journey waiting for a heart transplant. Now, that he has received that transplant and is doing very well he has announced a special concert “Celebrate Life with Me”. I would love to attend this concert but at this point have no idea if my health will allow it or not. If you live or can travel to the Salt Lake City area I would encourage to you attend this concert by a talented musician with a message that that I am sure can strengthen us...
Read MoreLiver Awareness Month
Liver Awareness Month is held in October and exists to educate people about the liver’s role and how we can protect it from disease. Through conferences and various other activities people are informed of the transparency of liver diseases. Out of 25 million Americans, approximately one in ten Americans have ha a liver or gallbladder disease and many people are not aware of some of the simple steps you can take to avoid these circumstances. For example getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A (HAV) and Hepatitis B (HBV) are critical in preventing liver disease. Learn more about liver disease and what you can to do at the American Liver...
Read MoreYou Can Give Life
One Man’s Story Trailer
The last 6 months of a two year journey to receive a liver transplant. Told in one minute of pictures and music.
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