If You Could Save a Life...

I believe that most of us have felt the ache wondering if a loved one's demise might have been prevented. Sometimes that comes right after the loss, or it might come years down the road when learning of a new treatment. Unfortunately the conclusion is the same...we'll never know.

It's Memorial Day weekend and time to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice as well as those who have gone before us. It's also a good time to think about what is preventable. That does not include the "inevitable," but we still might be able to delay it.

We often hear stories about those who have been helped by a generous donation from a living or deceased organ donor. But what we miss, is putting a face to all those who have perished waiting and hoping in vain that a transplant would save them.

My friend Rosina Houle lost her sister Jessie, who was on a transplant list after her donated kidney from 17 years earlier, failed. Jessie left behind a devoted husband and young daughter. Out of this tragic loss came the creation of an organization to promote living donors − Save a Life, Inc. (SAL). You can learn more about this important mission and how it all began at: Save A Life. 

I also have friends from church who, a decade ago, lost their only son to aplastic anemia (a rare blood disorder) while he waited for a bone marrow donor. He was only 19 years old. 

For the families of Jessie and A.J., the question will always be: What if?

I encourage everyone who can to become a donor, living or upon death. Doing so means indicating this on your driver's license, carrying a donor card, or placing yourself on a donor list, and making certain your family knows your wishes. Regrettably, most if not all, states and medical facilities allow family to override a deceased individual's wishes to donate an organ. In those cases when it has happened, one has to wonder how many people might have otherwise been saved.

So, to honor and remember our loved ones and those who have served us, I hope everyone reading this blog will take action to prevent what is preventable. I have.