Give The Gift of Life This Year

As we approach the New Year, many begin the ritual of making a New Year’s resolution.  Some attempt to make resolutions to improve an area of their life, give up a bad habit, to take on a new project, or to make any number of short-term or long-term goals to focus their efforts on in the upcoming year. 

However, we are finding that increasing numbers of people are choosing not to focus on themselves, but are making it their mission to give back to the community in a meaningful way.  Recognizing the need for organ and tissue donors particularly in the Black community, why not consider giving someone the gift of life next year by deciding to become an organ or tissue donor.

The subject of organ and tissue donation has long been one of controversy in our community and has unfortunately led to dismally low numbers of minority donors.  For many, at issue is the overwhelming mistrust of medical providers that is deeply rooted in our community.  Some fear a painful and uncomfortable donation process, while others are simply unaware of the dire need. 

Each year, more than 10,000 patients in the U.S. are diagnosed with life-threatening diseases such as leukemia or lymphoma.  Additionally, 1 in every 500 births in the African American community is a child with sickle cell disease.  In many of these cases, a marrow or cord blood transplant from an unrelated donor may be their best or only hope of a cure.

As it relates to bone marrow, most people in need of a transplant do not have a matching donor in their family.  As a result, they must rely on others to go through a screening process that involves a simple cheek swab, and are then placed in a database to wait for a potential match.  Candidates eligible for marrow donation screening include those between the ages of 18 and 60, in good health, and willing to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

It is no secret that many are simply afraid of donating marrow because of the fear that donation is an invasive process and a surgical procedure.  This is actually a common misconception, as most marrow donation does not involve surgery, and it never involves removing bone.  The most common type of donation is a peripheral blood stem cell donation.  It is a simple blood draw where stem cells are retrieved.  The second and less common form is marrow donation and it is a surgical procedure where liquid marrow is removed from the inside of the pelvic bone.  In both cases, the donor goes home the same day and there is minimal disruption to their normal routine.

Solid organ donation suffers from a similar trend of low donor enrollment amongst Blacks. In our community, diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure continue to be the leading causes of kidney failure requiring transplant.  Recent estimates show that Blacks represent over 30% of those in need and waiting for an organ transplant, but only 10% of
all organ donors. 

It is very easy to become an organ donor.  The first step is to register with your local organ and tissue donation registry.  Most states offer an organ donation program through the Department of Motor Vehicles.  It is also recommended that you notify your family members and your physician of your wishes so there is a clear understanding of your desire to be a donor.   It is also a great idea to outline your wishes in your advance directives, will and living will documents. 

As we are all finalizing our goals and plans for the upcoming year, let’s include a unique goal of making the difference in the lives of many.  Consider registering to be an organ and tissue donor.  If you need more information on joining the marrow registry visit www.bethematch.org, and for information on solid organ donation, visit http://organdonor.gov/becomingdonor/stateregistries.html  to find your local organ and tissue donor registry.