“You were born with the ability to change someone’s life. Don’t waste it.”
13th of August is recognized worldwide as World’s Organ Donation Day. This day plays a vital role in creating awareness about the value of organ donation and clarifying any misconceptions surrounding it. Giving the gift of life through organ donation is a selfless act that holds the potential to save the lives of those in dire need. It is a noble deed that we should all contemplate.
It’s important to remember that multiple organs can be donated, including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, eyes, and intestines. Amazingly, a single donor can potentially save up to eight lives. However currently, there are over 100,000 individuals on the transplant waiting list. Sadly, according to Penn Medicine’s data, 17 people lose their lives while waiting for an organ to become available. That’s why World’s Organ Donation Day is celebrated globally – to educate people about the importance of organ donation and encourage them to become donors, ultimately helping to save more lives.
Organ donation is a surgical process that can potentially save up to eight lives from a single donor. It’s amazing to think that we can donate organs even after our death and give the gift of life to those who need it. It’s important to understand that organ donation is safe and can be done while we are alive, and it’s called ‘Living Organ Donation’. We can donate one kidney or piece of our liver or tissues, which is a safe surgical process that gives the donor and the recipient a healthy life. In addition, there is also ‘Deceased Donation,’ which is a process of giving one’s organs after a person’s death. It’s important to note that anyone can register as a donor, regardless of age, race, or religion but there may be certain legal restrictions. In Sri Lanka, after 21 years old, you will be eligible to donate your organs after passing away. And you can register for organ donation by downloading a form online, filling it out and handover it over or sending it by email or WhatsApp. (Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital Donor Registration Application- https://sjgh.health.gov.lk/up/donor/consent-form-english.pdf )
Organ donation is truly an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of others. By donating your organs, you are giving people a new lease on life, and that is a wonderful gift to give. So, let’s consider becoming donors and helping more people in need.
