The power of one

 
Transplantation is one of the most remarkable success stories in the history of medicine. But despite continuing advances in medicine and technology, the need for organs and tissue is far greater than the availability.
The Star Herald this week features a story about Al Berdahl and his quest to educate the public about organ and issue donation.
Transplantation gives hope to thousands of people with organ failure and provides many others with active and renewed lives.
According to Donate Life America, nearly 124,000 men, women and children are awaiting organ transplants in the United States.
There were 29,532 organ transplants performed in 2014 and there were 14,414 organ donors. One person can provide organs for up to eight people and tissue grafts for over 100.
More than 47,000 corneas were transplanted in 2013.
More than 1 million tissue transplants are done each year and the surgical need for tissue has been steadily rising.

Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.
All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.
If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the No. 1 priority is to save your life. Organ, eye and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased.
When you are on the waiting list for an organ, what really counts is the severity of your illness, time spent waiting, blood type and other important medical information, not your financial status or celebrity status.
An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.
There is no cost to the donor or the donor’s family for organ or tissue donation.
Information about an organ donor is only released to the recipient if the family of the donor requests or agrees to it.
“It’s a miraculous thing to do,” Berdahl said. “You have the ability to save and enhance lives far beyond your ability to imagine … and it’s all because we check the box and have the conversation with our loved ones.”
Read the story. Learn about organ and tissue donation. Check the box on your driver’s license.