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7 Important Reasons to Become an Organ Donor

Table of Contents What is Organ DonationWhich Organs Can Be DonatedWho Can Become an Organ DonorHow Much Does…
A woman organ donor with a paper heart in hand
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Recently, I became a registered organ donor.

I didn’t take this step to receive anything and I have not given anything to anyone yet, but I’m already filled with a sense of satisfaction and inner happiness.

The fact that I will be able to help people even after my death is so overwhelming that I can’t stop smiling. 🙂

I like to help people, either by giving advice, teaching, training, or by writing inspirational articles.

However, the biggest way I can help anyone is to give the gift of life to someone who needs it – by becoming an organ donor.

Organ donation to me is the biggest and greatest charity. In fact, this charity requires the least of your efforts.

You do not have to give any money to anyone, nor do you have to spend your precious time.

All you have to do is register yourself.

To make it more accessible and easy, you can do that online by visiting the national donor registry website, filling in the information asked, and submitting it by clicking a button.

It’s as simple as that!

Among all your web surfing activities, I’m sure this will be your most useful and helpful one if you chose to go this way to donate your organs!

However, I know you would want more information about organ donation and the reasons why should you become an organ donor.

I can say this because I felt the same way, thus went ahead and researched all about organ donation before signing up for it.

I will be more than glad to share the information with you, if it helps you.

“I think you should automatically donate your organs because that would turn the balance of organ donation in a huge way. I would donate whatever anybody would take, and I’d probably do the cremation bit.” ~ George Clooney

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What is Organ Donation

According to Wikipedia, organ donation is the donation of biological tissue or an organ of the human body, from a living or dead person to a living recipient in need of a transplantation.

The Cleveland Clinic defines organ donation as the process of surgically removing an organ or tissue from one person (the organ donor) and placing it into another person (the recipient).

In simple words, organ donation takes healthy organs and tissues from one person for transplantation into another.

 “Don’t take your organs to heaven with you.  Heaven knows we need them here.” ~Author unknown

Which Organs Can Be Donated

Most of the vital organs of a human body can be donated. These are the heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, and pancreas.

However, these organ transplants are done only in cases of “brain death” of the patients.

Brain Death — Brain death occurs when the brain is totally and irreversibly non-functional. Brain death is caused when there is not enough blood supply of oxygen, which causes the brain cells to die.

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In cases of natural death, other organs and tissues can be donated like the corneas, heart valves and veins, skin, bones and tendons, and bone marrow etc.

There are some organs and tissues that can also be donated while the donor is alive. These include one kidney, one lobe of liver, one lung in part or full, and part of the pancreas and the intestines.

Among tissues, living donors can donate blood, blood stem cells, certain bones after knee and hip replacements, bone marrow, skin, and amnion and umbilical cord blood after childbirth.

Human body diagram showing organs and tissues for donation

“Don’t think of organ donations as giving up part of yourself to keep a total stranger alive.  It’s really a total stranger giving up almost all of themselves to keep part of you alive. ~Author Unknown

Who Can Become an Organ Donor

The willing living donors should be fit, completely healthy, and in the age range of 18 to 60 years.

However, in case of natural or brain death, even children can be organ donors after the consent of the parents and family members.

In all the cases, the donors are screened for conditions and diseases like HIV, cancer, diabetes, kidney or heart disease etc.

The organ transplant process becomes easier if the donor and recipient’s blood and tissue types match.

There are countries where people are required to “opt in” or register themselves as organ donors, whereas there are also countries that by default consider the brain dead patients as organ donors.

Among such countries that have presumed consent system, some do have an “opt out” facility for those who do not wish to donate their body organs after death.

In the United States, even the non-residents can donate or receive organs, without the citizenship being a hurdle.

How Much Does The Family Matter For Organ Donation

A lot!

You can judge from this statement in a UK news website that “During 2013/14, more than four in 10 families approached about organ donation, said no to donating a loved one’s organs.”

This is in spite of the deceased having signed to be an organ donor.

Family refusal is the biggest hurdle and problem to organ donation even after its pledged by the dead while living.

That is why it is necessary that people who register for organ donation should let their loved ones know of their decision and request the family member to honor their wish in case of a tragedy.

“Be a blood and organ donor.  All it costs is a little love. ~Author Unknown

Why Should You Become an Organ Donor

There are many reasons for you to become an organ donor but I will mention seven reasonable points that you should consider.

From all of the below mentioned reasons, this ONE is a good and solid reason for you to sign up.

Reason 1: “1 organ donor can save up to 8 lives

Do you need any more convincing? It is not only to one person, but you can give the gift of life to up to eight people!

These may be your known ones or even unknown people, who are waiting in need for transplantation of some body organ or tissue. This is not all.

Reason 2: “You can enhance the lives of over 50 people by way of tissue donation

The American National Institute of Health verifies this fact of organ donation.

However, even if this falls short, then the following is a big reason for you to be an organ donor:

Reason 3: “There are more potential recipients on organ donation waiting lists than organ donors

The world needs people like you to help other people even after leaving this world.

Your death may fill your family members with grief, but it can give life to someone and bring happiness to another family.

This is one strong reason why you should sign up for organ donation.

Reason 4: “Giving the ‘Gift of Life’ may lighten the grief of your own family

The U.S. Government Information on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation website reports many donor families saying that knowing other lives have been saved, helps them cope with their tragic loss.

It is a major reason why I chose to register for organ donation because I want my family to feel good and proud that I continued to help others even after I was gone.

I’ve one more personal reason.

Reason 5: “Donating organs can help overcome death anxiety

Believe me, after signing up for organ donation, I already feel assured and content.

I feel that my life would not be futile and my death would be an extension of life, as it would be of use to someone.

Moreover, I’d be gifting life to others. This makes me be less worried about death and more connected to life.

Reason 6: “Organ Donation is the biggest charity

No doubt, organ donation is the biggest act of giving!

Even if you have not participated in any act of charity earlier, you can do so after your death.

Nevertheless, how much will it cost you?

Reason 7: “Organ donation is going to cost nothing to you or your family members

The entire organ harvesting and transplantation expenses are borne by the recipients, and they probably have their insurance to take care of that.

If there isn’t much for people to remember after you are gone, they will surely remember you for your act of organ donation.

Remember, you have the power to save lives.

Imagine! You can make people see, breathe, walk, feel, smile, enjoy and enhance their quality of life.

You can do all this by just signing up in your country’s national registry for organ donation.

90% of Americans say they support donation, but only 30% know the essential steps to take to be a donor – Donate Life America

“You give but little when you give of your possessions.  It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” ~Kahlil Gibran

How to Become an Organ Donor

If you are convinced and willing to be an organ donor, the rest is an easy and simple process.

Step 1: Register

Fill up the form and submit it online. You can also indicate which organs you wish to donate.

Step 2: Carry Donor Card

You will receive a donor card. You should sign it and always carry it with you.

Step 3: Discuss with Family

You need to let your family and friends know about your decision and wishes.

Step 4: Driver’s License

Indicate on your driver’s license that you are an organ donor.

Step 5: Promote your Will

You can help spread awareness and motivate others by disclosing your decision on the social media networks. You should also mention your decision in your will.

Depending on the country you reside, you will need to open the website related to organ donation approved by the government or visit its local office, whichever suits you better.

Here, I have compiled a small list of websites of a few countries that accept online registration for organ donation.

United States – Organ Donor

United KingdomOrgan Donation

Canada Be a Donor

AustraliaHuman Services

Philippines – National Kidney and Transplant Institute

Singapore – Live On

South AfricaOrgan Donor Foundation

MalaysiaMalaysian Society of Transplantation

Pakistan – Transplantation Society of Pakistan

China – Save Life

This list is not comprehensive. Even the countries mentioned here have many other private and government organization that accept registration for organ donation.

I also wanted to include Nigeria and other countries in this list, but could not find their organ donation website.

I request you to submit the link to your country’s organ donor online registry in your comment if it does not find its mention in this post, so that others can benefit from it.

Here is a small video about organ donation and transplantation. Do watch it.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuKx2a5HkIM&w=620&h=360&rel=0]

Donation and Transplantation: How does it work? ~ HRSAtube ~ YouTube video

“The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom

Organ Donation Facts

Every year thousands of people all around the world die while waiting for an organ transplant.

This is because they do not find any suitable donor, and not many people come forward to donate their organs.

Globally, over millions of people are currently waiting for an organ transplant. As of August 2014, about 123,300 people in the United States are on the waiting list!

In India, with a population of 1.2 Billion people, there are only 0.08 persons as organ donors per million populations (PMP). This is a very low contribution.

As a result, about 500,000 people die every year because of non-availability of organs.

Countries that have the family consent system like UK, USA, Australia, Germany, and Netherlands have a donation rate of about 10-30 PMP.

Whereas, countries like Singapore, Belgium, and Spain with the presumed consent system have the donation rate of 20-40 PMP.

Austria with an opt-out system, has the highest global consent rate of 99.98% with 21 donor PMP. Spain tops the organ donors contributions with 34 donors per million inhabitants.

Yet, it is not able to meet the requirement of organ donation. More people around the world need to step forward and make this important commitment.

Organ Trade

According to Wikipedia, organ trade is the trade involving inner human organs (heart, liver, kidneys, etc.) for organ transplantation.

This was a thriving business until some time ago. Presently, most countries have put a ban on organ trafficking and illegal transplant tourism.

However, some countries like Iran, Australia, and Singapore have legalized monetary compensations for organ donors.

Yet, sadly, the black marketing and illegal trade of human organs continues. It would only stop when more and more people pledge to donate their organs after death.

“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” ~ Albert Pike

Organ Donation Day

There are various days assigned for organ donation in various countries.

In the US, April 11 is celebrated as the blue and green day in an effort to spread awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation.

Few sites there mention February 14 as the National Organ Donor Day.

Some celebrate August 6 as the World Organ Donation Day.

And India is beginning its Organ Donation Day on August 13 this year.

Organ donation day logo

All Indians who have made up their minds to contribute to this noble cause can visit the “Organ Donation Day” website and register themselves, just as Harleena and I did!

Having said that, there is no day or age to be an organ donor. You can take action anytime, even NOW!

How inspired and motivated are you after reading this post and watching the video?

Please take a moment to let me know your opinion by taking this poll:

[polldaddy poll=8239371]

Besides family consent, there are more hurdles to organ donation and transplant, and these are myths about organ donation and religious beliefs.

I may write another post later about the myths people have regarding donating their organs and how we can deal with them.

“Life’s most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Kindly share this post among your friends and followers to create more awareness about organ donation. This is to persuade more and more people to become organ donors.

Please use any of the resources mentioned in this post. I hope you all act to give people a second life.

Be a happy organ donor. 🙂

Share Your Thoughts –

What do you think about organ donation? Would you become an organ donor? If not, then what are your reservations or what’s stopping you to be one? Share in the comments.

Photo Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos

Disclaimer: None of the links in this post are affiliate links! 🙂

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  1. “However, you cannot measure all doctors and hospitals with the same yardstick.” Which doctor in this world today knows perfectly what death is? How are they declaring people’s death? Is there a consensus in the scientific community with regards to what death is? with regards How one actually dies? with regards whether body be preserved without cells dying etc? Is the scientific community clearly aware?

    1. Hi Ganesh,

      This post focuses only on organ donation and is not an exhaustive or comprehensive post on death, which we may consider writing about in the future. So for now, I’d suggest you seek other so many available sources to find answers to your questions, which are out of the scope of this post. Thanks.

  2. Organ donation ethical when doctors prone to making mistakes when declaring patients dead? It should be in fact abolished in present circumstances. Organ donation is going to present threat to life if doctor makes a mistake whereby they fail examining life in an alive individual. Below are reports in leading news papers where doctors failed to examine life and declared their patients dead.

    1) NEW YORK: A patient who had been declared ‘dead’ opened her eyes just as doctors prepared to remove her organs in a hospital here.

    2) Polish woman declared dead wakes up in mortuary
    “Officials say Janina Kolkiewicz, 91, was declared dead after an examination by the family doctor.”

    3) “‘Dead’ three-year-old girl wakes up in coffin at her own funeral in Philippines…” “The child had been pronounced dead by doctors”

    4) Man declared dead wakes up “Doctors allegedly confirmed his death and handed over the body to his family on Sunday morning. ”

    5) Woman declared dead, ‘wakes up’ before funeral
    “JAIPUR: In a bizarre incident a 72-year-old woman, who was declared ‘dead’, started breathing when her relatives were about to burn her ‘body’ on the funeral pyre on Wednesday.”

    1. Ganesh, I can understand that you are disturbed by reading such news reports.

      Medical negligence should be avoided. However, since doctors too are human and they err, so unfortunate incidents do happen. If the negligence is on purpose and the doctors are corrupt, there should be stringent laws to punish them so such unfortunate incidents do not happen. Declaring a person dead just for the purpose of harvesting the organs is not ethical at all. However, you cannot measure all doctors and hospitals with the same yardstick.

      We also read about genuine organ donation cases which helped save lives. If you believe that you’ll be killed in the hospital just because doctors are interested in harvesting your organs, then do not enroll yourself for organ donation. Those who enroll themselves for organ donation, do that after much contemplation and discussion. And even after the person has registered for organ donation, the family of that person has all the right to deny if they do not wish it to be done or they suspect any thing fishy or wrong doing.

      Also, the doctors do not know that you are a registered organ donor, unless you or your family members tell them. So, just don’t tell them or even do not have it mentioned in your driver’s license. You may also include a clause in your will stating your acceptable conditions for organ donation.

      Ganesh, there are some doctors who sacrifice their conscience for money. On the other hand, you’ll also find conscientious and law-abiding doctors. And as for making mistakes, there might be some doctors who do that unintentionally – remember that doctors are not God and they aren’t perfect too (but intentionally hiding their mistakes is not right or ethical). You need to think on all the aspects. If you have a negative perspective, try to see the positive side too.

      Though you’ve the right to be skeptical and promote your views, that does not stop me and other people from going beyond that to serve humanity. Finally, I believe organ donation is one of the best charities and I trust my family to ensure that it really helps the needy, more so the poor.

      Thanks for your comment and sharing your views.

  3. Hello Vinay,

    One important post and the message! It is something almost anyone consider about donating the organs.

    I am actually undecided at the moment. Will think through more of it to come closer to the decision.

    What I am really happy to see that my country, Pakistan, is listed into your list and accepts online applications of donors. Really geat!

    Thanks for this thought-provoking article, Vinay! And I congratulate you on becoming donor. May GOD always bless you, amen!

    ~ Adeel

  4. Hi Vinay and Harleena,
    Great initiative!
    Let us make aware about it to our fellow citizens.
    I really missed the bus! 🙂
    I just re-shared thru my social media platforms
    Keep up the good work.
    Have a great and Healthy Days Ahead
    Best
    ~ Phil

  5. Wow, very good your article. Among several things we saw on the internet, it is very useful and important for humanity.

  6. Hi Vinay
    Your blog is really an interesting one. I am also a part time writer and love to read articles related to medical sciences. I believe in donating organs, but I was skipping many important things, all of which I came to know from your blog post. The topics you choose are really helpful and thanks for this amazing post as well

  7. Indeed it’s a really important thing! What is the most important to think when we’re talking about rgan donor, is how it can help not only one person, but also a complete family by helping them to keep one of their family member alive!

  8. Hi Vinay,
    I am inspired by your post.Your organ can give a new life to a person. A good initiative taken by post. I will also make other people understand the value of being organ donor.
    Thanks for tremendous post.

  9. Hi Vinay Kachhara, Congratulations for this such a nice & Beautiful Post about Organ Donor ! Vinay I watch a Indian Movie Vicky Donor in 2012 & theme of Vicky Donor movie was “Sperm Donor” ! Basically we never hear this kind of donation name in our society but after watching “Vicky Donor” I understand there are this kid of work ! Which helps to People & gives lives But after that I didn’t hear about Organ Donor & Sperm Donor ! Now I understand we all must be aware about Donor that how Being Donor is great work ! Which gives live & hope to people ! So I’m very happy with your this post ! You really did a nice work to share this valuable post with all & Basically details about Being a Organ Donor !

  10. Thanks for this post. Fortunately, my uncle got a healthy donor for kidney transplant. Until now, he’s still alive through taking meds everyday and those are expensive by the way.

  11. Thank you so much for the post. Being an organ donor myself, I’m surprised at how many people do not become donors. This post provides some really good insight on how much value an individual can provide to multiple lives just by becoming a donor. Giving back to people in need should be one of the biggest focus in people’s lives.

  12. Hi Vinay,

    Already donated but I want to donate body. I want to pledge my body after death. Can you tell me the steps for that.

    1. Hi Datta,

      Medical hospitals are in great need of cadavers for the medical students to experiment on. Very few people donate their body after death to hospitals and you could only find the right procedure to do so directly from your local hospital. Hope this helps.

      Thanks for your comment.

  13. Your blog is great for supporting life and humanity… There are people like you in this world who save life of the innocent.. God help those who love his people…

  14. Hi Vinay,
    I am inspired by your post.Your organ can give a new life to a person. A good initiative taken by post. I will also make other people understand the value of being organ donor.
    Thanks for tremendous post.

  15. Excellent post on organ donation. Sorry I missed this earlier. Puts my little slap-dash effort to shame, but any publicity for the cause is good, yes? I became a donor many years ago and also had a friend who gained 10 extra years of life because of a liver transplant.

    1. Hi Debbie,

      I’m glad you like the post and thanks for sharing it. Thanks for sharing the case of your friend, I’m sure you and your friend’s family now value organ donation more than ever.

      Thanks for your comment.

  16. Hi Vinay,

    This is a wonderful post to promote public awareness about organ donation and thanks for sharing your experience as a registered organ donor. I believe Harleena is feeling the same way you are.

    To be honest, I’m afraid of donating my organs while I’m alive though I was fortunate to donate my blood. And I will. For a long time, I had the thought in my mind to donate my eyes to the local eye donation society and body to a Medical school after my death. But, after reading your post, I’m undecided if my body should be better served to the Human Tissue Bank here in Sri Lanka. Well, I gotta research more about it and decide as I learn more about the health status of the body over time.

    Anyway, the age range, 18 to 60, caught my attention. If I die after my 60s, donating my organs will be rather useless? 🙂 Or better served to medical students?

    I’m glad you decided to write about this apt topic alongside the World Organ Donation day, Vinay. Hopefully, it will inspire more people to donate their organs (At least their blood). I think readers will start to think in a different way about their death after reading this post.

    Thanks for this wonderful post and it got me thinking about more ways I can donate the organs I have 🙂

    You both have a lovely week, Vinay and Harleena 🙂

    Cheers…

    1. Hi Mayura,

      It is indeed a difficult decision to take to donate organs while living. Yes, blood donation is easy and people do that in great numbers.

      While I researched for the topic, I got to know that SriLanka is one of the top places that exports eyes. However, anywhichway, you eventually help people.

      No, the organs do not become useless after the age of 60. In fact many people in 80s have also donated organs. It depends on the state of health and the condition of the organs too. Cadavers are always useful for the medical students.

      I’m glad you like the post and yes, I too hope that this will spread awareness and make people more educated about this topic.

      Thanks for your comment.

  17. Hi Vinay and Harleena,

    What a wonderful post! I was so glad to see this. I’ve never had a family member waiting in agony for an organ transplant, but it can be devastating for sure. I have already registered to be an organ donor, did so when I renewed my driver’s license. 🙂

    Yes, I agree with you, it is a precious gift to be able to give life to someone that needs help. Wow! I did not know that 1 organ donor can save up to 8 lives. Truly amazing when you think about it. I’m so glad I mad ethos decision.

    I absolutely agree with you that organ donation is the biggest charity as nothing else compares with giving someone a second chance to live.

    Thanks for the thought-inspiring content! I will be sharing for sure. 🙂
    – Carol

    1. Hi Carol,

      So glad to know that you’re already a registered organ donor. Nothing can be more precious and charitable than this act.

      I’m glad you liked the post and shared it too. Thanks. 🙂

  18. Hi Vinay,

    I am personally not an organ donor yet and I would love to do so someday. I just haven’t been able to just take action yet.

    I was intrigued by the fact that family members wouldn’t let the donation actually happen even though the donor had pledged while living 🙂 This definitely calls for more than just pledging. The family must be involved/educated in the process…

    Thank you for this wonderful and inspirational post and congratulations on becoming an organ donor yourselves 🙂

    Regards,
    Kumar

    1. Hi Kumar,

      Many cultures and communities have certain “after life” beliefs that stops them from donating their organs. For some families, it is unbearable to think of their loved one’s body go through the entire process even after death, and they wish to follow the customary rituals with respect.

      Yes, that’s the reason the family has to be more involved in the process. We’re glad that we took this step and faced no opposition from the family. 🙂

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

  19. Hi Vinay,

    It’s really an amazing article.:)

    There are many people who are in need. People who want to help by donating their any organ of body are really appreciable.

    It’s not easy for anyone to donate his/her organ because it’s hard to convince our family and our own too.

    As you have suggested that people who wish to donate should talk to their parents and other family members.

    I wish for those who need any organ any I am glad that there are many people who dare to donate.

    Thanks for the motivation.

    Have a great week.:)

    ~Ravi

    1. Hi Ravi,

      It is indeed the greatest charity one can do!

      You’re right, if you’re absolutely sure about your decision and determined, then you can even convince your family.

      This decision needs courage and conscious thinking and I’m glad there are many people who go for organ donation.

      Thanks for your comment.

  20. Hello Vinay Kachhara,

    Nice to see you in Harleena’s site with informative post. An article on Organ donor is something uncommon which we don’t read most time.

    But I think its informative post. I believe that what you do for you should not be remembered after your death but if you do any good for others it ill always be remembered.

    As we are social person, its our duty to contribute something for our country. Saving others life is always give us pleasure & satisfaction.

    Your post will help to improve public awareness.

    Have a happy weekend 🙂

    1. Hi Ahsan,

      I’m glad you find the post informative. You’re so right – you’re remembered for what you do for others after your death, and organ donation is the best way for that.

      Yes, saving a life is a noble and godly act, and there can be no greater contribution than that.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

  21. Hi Vinay,

    This is a very big issue, and one that religious leaders needs to step in an help educate the faithful on the needs to be a donor after death.

    I strongly believe that some religion will have something to say about this; either in favour of or against it.

    The joy that comes with knowing that you can save a life can not be described with words, it’s a unique feelings in is own.

    Well, I hope I can take the giant step you took, I would be one of the happiest person on earth. But for now, I still can’t do that.

    A lots of things needs to be consider before taken such a step.

    Thanks Vinay, you’ve really take a bold steps in becoming a donor.

    1. Hi Shamsudeen,

      Yes, you’re right. The faithful need to hear the words from their religious leaders, who in turn also need to be fully aware and informative about the issue.

      I believe when its all about giving someone life, nothing can be nobler than this in any religion, because all religions teach about being helpful and loving.

      You’re right about the joy of saving a life – it’s a godly act in a way!

      I wish you all the best in coming to a conclusion and taking a positive step.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

  22. Hi Vinay,

    Stories about organ donations are always touching ones and life changing situations. I remember recently in my country when a popular music producer was to undergo a kidney transplant, it was all but a very touching situation. But all thanks to the wife of the music producer that made the sacrifice in donating to her husband. And the best of all was that the transplant was carried out in India and it was all a success.

    As you rightly said up there and that is also my pure take to organ donors, that it is the greatest charity on earth, but not everybody can have the gods to be an organ donor. I could remember when my dad was sick and needed some blood donation of about half a pint, I could not even help my poor dad out with my blood because of how I fear and feel about medical conditions, but thank God daddy is doing well now.

    Thank you so much for using this medium in boosting some of our fragile hearts when it comes to organ donor and why people should come out in mass to volunteer their organs. I see it as God rewarding gesture for organ donors.

    1. Hi Edwin,

      So good to know the beautiful story of the music producer and his wife of your country. That was really a courageous thing and I appreciate the wife to do that.

      Blood donation is very common in India and people are encouraged to do that every year. But it takes much convincing for organ donation. It’s good that your daddy is well now.

      It’s necessary to create awareness and its good to know that you feel positive about organ donation.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

  23. Hi Vinay,

    I think that this is a tough and at times touchy subject. So many people are alive because of someone being an organ donor, but I also understand how it can gross someone out to be willing to be one, like it does me.

    I guess it’s the same type of issue as those who want to be cremated and those who would frown at it and would rather be buried. there is still that strong feeling of what is done to our body, even after death.

    So, that’s my two cents on that, but this was a wonderfully informative post.

    1. Hi Sylviane,

      Yes, I agree the topic of organ donation can be touchy to some people. I think proper information and awareness really helps in understanding this issue in the right perspective.

      Yes, its funny that people have so much concerns about what happens after death with the body. It’s hard for them to believe that their soul or spirit has nothing to do with the body, but then it’s all about beliefs, and I respect them all, but still say that organ donation is highly charitable because it saves lives.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

  24. Great post Vinay, but I guess I’m a little partial since I received a Kidney Transplant over 12 years ago from a non related.

    So I am all about organ donation.

    They are doing really great things today that makes it even less traumatic for the “donor”/.

    Example my cousin just had a kidney transplant last week, donated from his cousin. She was up and moving and back on a plane to Canada about 5 days after the surgery.

    I think if more people knew that it’s not as stressful as they thing, more people would donate while still here.

    But at the very least, being an organ donor once you pass is a big help. For me I was young and strong so it wasn’t life threatening, but I seen many people that were in immediate need for an organ to stay alive, some were helped and some were not.

    This is where “helping one person in your life” will go a LONG way.

    1. Hi John, so good to see you here!

      It’s nice to hear the perspective from an organ recipient. You truly know the value of organ donation and it’s best to hear from you.

      You’re right – living organ donation nowadays is very simple and easy. Good to know about your cousin’s successful transplant and yes that was quick!

      It’s all about awareness, isn’t it? If all are aware, so many more people will get the help they need and continue to live.

      Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts!

  25. Vinay,
    I am proud of you. It is a very sensitive topic as many of us still feel sentimental about it. You have written a valuable point when you say that we give life to others when we pass away from this world. I too had lots of doubts about this, but after reading your post I think everyone should willingly donate their organs.

    1. Hi Mathi,

      Thanks for your encouraging words. Yes, some people are too sensitive and sentimental about their body – it’s okay while they are living but makes no sense after death.

      Organ donation is the power to save lives and to give life to someone. I’m glad you feel positive about organ donation after reading this post.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

  26. I am so looking forward to being a organ donor. I know that sounds funny. But I have heard so mnay stories of people receiving these and getting a second chance. I want to be part of that. I am so grateful modern science can do this! Aren’t you?

    1. Hi Jodi,

      Yes, science is a boon for humanity. It’s good to know that you do want to be an organ donor. I’m sure the links in the post will help you.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

  27. Hello sir, congratulations on doing something nobler, something for the sake of society and something that normally people ignore thinking about.

    Organ donation is always very best form of giving something to the society that gave us everything, in fact no it is wrong, Organ donation is the art f taking more help of the society in keepnig ourselves alive even after our physical demise.

    I appreciate your move and and am pretty sure it must have inspired at least a few of the readers like the way it did to me.

    I am inspired (though I was aware of it as one of my aunty had donated her kidney to someone some years ago.)from this very post and the fact that two of the people I look forward to have done this has kindled a desire in me to do it. I couldn’t do it this year but definitely would do this in the coming year when I can convince in the family.

    I faintly remember when my aunty had donated (I don’t know why) there was a havoc created in the house by my grandma saying this is a caller of omens and so .

    Since then no one has talked in the house much about this and so think it will require some effort to convince in the house(though grandma is no more).

    This post was a call of the time, when too much of crime and hatred has crept into the civilization posts like this do a bit to infuse some positiveness to the society.

    Have a great week sir. 🙂

    1. Hi Swadhin,

      Thanks for your kind words. I think as a blogger its your duty to spread the good word around to help everybody.

      You’re right – organ donation is the best form of charity. You just have to fill up the form online and do nothing else. But it’s good to consult your family first and take them into confidence. Some people have mixed feelings towards this act and its better to clear them with the right information and knowledge.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts. have a great weekend ahead!

  28. This is a great reminder for me! Now that I’m living outside the US, I need to check into the organ donation rules in my new country. Thanks!

  29. I’ve been an organ donor ever since I got my driver’s license. I know there’s a lot of controversy over brain death, natural death, is there life after death, etc. My feeling about organ donation is that yes, there is life after death when you give your organs to allow another person or persons to live. In the most tragic of situations, it can bring solace to loved ones.

    1. Hi Sheryl,

      Good to know that you’re already an organ donor. That’s a beautiful way to say – there is life after death when you give life to another person through your organs.

      Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts!

  30. hi Vinay,

    Really thankful to you for letting me know the big different factor. I cannot spare myself by saying that you have done a fab job through your article letting know people about the organ donar.

    I am pleased to know gonna share it absolutely to be the medium in this sincere work.

    1. Hi Shiwangi,

      I’m glad you like the article and find it informative. Thanks for your kind words and for sharing this post.

      Have a great weekend ahead!

  31. I’m happy to say that I’m already an organ donor, although I don’t know if my body will for certain be harvested for parts. However, I think it’s important to help others have the gift of life. After all, if you should ever find yourself in need of an organ, you’d want one to be available to you, wouldn’t you?

    1. Hi Lorraine,

      It’s so good to know that you’re already an organ donor. You’ve given the best argument, if you put yourself in the shoes of an organ receiver, it makes absolute sense to be an organ donor.

      Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts!

  32. Excellent and highly detailed article! I received a kidney transplant 17 years ago and am beyond grateful to be here to help others. I celebrate every year and give thanks to my kidney, my donor and her family. Please consider becoming a donor if aren’t yet as you could become a hero to so many people!

    1. Hi Paige,

      I’m so glad you like the article. It’s so good to get the views of an organ recipient. Your perspective helps complete the post and helps others learn more about the importance of organ donation. One donation can add so many years to a person’s life – wow, this is great!

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

  33. Hi Vinay,

    What an informative and altruistic post! You have explained it SO well why we should register for organ donation and how we can lend a helping hand even at the time of death.

    I think Kidney is the only organ which is donated while being alive and one of my friends gave her kidney to save the life of her husband and surprisingly it matched well! Though organ trafficking and illegal transplant of kidney is quite common in India but there are such incidents also which show goodness thrives side by side.

    I have never given a real thought to this noble gesture, perhaps the superstitions associated with it have been dissuading me. I have the greatest reverence for those who donate their organs. Thanks for sharing such a detailed information about this topic. Have a nice week!

    1. Hi Balroop,

      Thank you for the kind words about this post. I’m glad the post served its purpose to create awareness.

      There are many other organs that can be donated while being alive as I’ve mentioned in the post. Living donation of kidney is what we hear of most and it seems to us that this is the most harmless one.

      I must appreciate the heart and courage of your friend to help her husband and great to know that it worked well! Good and bad both exist everywhere, but we can engage in and expand goodness and make more people pledge to donate their organs to minimize the illegal organ trade.

      Yes, the myths and wrong beliefs of people make many patients die, and I might write a post on that as well sometime later.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts and have a great week yourself!

  34. Hello Vinay,
    I have learned something cool… So there is a big difference between brain dead and natural death? Awesome 🙂

    Well, i have given out my blood once and i must say, it feels good doing it. But not my organs, i definitely donate blood from time to time but not my organs 🙂

    Thanks.. Have a blessed week ahead…

    1. Hi Babanature,

      I hope you didn’t misunderstand donating of your organs while being alive! 😉

      Just joking, I know that you understand everything right. It’s really our wish what we want to happen with our body after our death. Different people have different opinions and I respect yours.

      Having said that, blood donation too is a great thing to do being alive, and I appreciate that.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts and have a great week!

  35. Hi Vinay,

    Good to see another post from you. I’ve been behind commenting here so am trying to get caught up and just left your awesome quotes on success post.

    I’ve been an organ donor for years. Most people know my story and my Dad fought cancer for 42 years of the 45 years I was blessed to have him in my life. We were very aware of how important it is to become an organ donor having spent so much time in and out of hospitals for him my entire life.

    My Dad was one too and we were so gravely disappointed when the doctor’s wouldn’t take my Dad’s body to do research on it to find out more about the type of cancer that he had. That’s what he wanted more than anything but of course with all the health issues they wouldn’t accept any of his other organs for donation. I’m sure he was very disappointed but I guess it’s understandable.

    All your reasons are so very important so I do hope that those that are not yet a donor will sign up after reading this.

    Thank you for sharing this important topic and you both have a wonderful week.

    ~Adrienne

    1. Hi Adrienne,

      Glad to have your comment on this post as well. It’s so good to know that you too are an organ donor.

      It’s sad to know about the suffering that your dad and your family had to go through. It’s true that those who undergo the problem themselves understand and appreciate the solutions, and organ donation is one of them.

      It’s good to know that your dad was so eager to be helpful and useful but yes I guess its understandable that health issues would not make the organ donation possible.

      I hope I’m able to increase awareness about being an organ donor with this post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and have a great week ahead you too!

  36. Hi Vinay,

    I already registered myself to donate my organs. Nowadays, most people in Tamilnadu, interested in donating their organs. But the fact is, they don’t know how to register and what to do. Then some of the people don’t know about the process of donating organs after the death, most people afraid about this. By reading this article, many will get clear and can easily register themselves by the link you have given.

    I appreciate you for this article and i ll share this post as much as possible to my friend’s network to expose about the organ donation. Thanks.

    1. Hi Raaja,

      It’s so good to know that you’re already registered as an organ donor. Tamilnadu is in fact the most forward state of India in respect of organ donation.

      I’m glad you find this post helpful and useful to understand the process to register for organ donation.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for spreading the awareness among your friends and fans.

  37. Hi Vinay,

    I haven’t given this much thought, but you certainly make some great points of why we should become an organ donor. The reason I haven’t thought much about it, is that I feel young (but, I’m not) and it just sounds so grotesque in a way. It’s hard to think about my organs being somewhere else than inside me 🙂

    You certainly made me think.

    -Jens

    1. Hi Jens,

      I hope you do not find my answer to be rude but I think our life has no certainty and comes with no guarantees. So, when anything can happy at any time, it’s best to make the wisest decision in the present moment, right?

      The obsession over the possession of the body organs is indeed one of the obstacles that stop people from being organ donors. We sometimes force ourselves not to accept and understand reality.

      I’m glad I got your grey cells active on this one! 😉

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I’m hopeful you’ll be spreading the awareness to make more people think about the issue.

  38. Hi Vinay,

    These are great reasons to become an organ donor. I knew a few, but you have shown there are many other parts of the body that can be used.

    I didn’t realize the stats of how many people are in need. Thanks so much to bringing this to my attention.

    -Donna

    1. Hi Donna,

      The type of organs that can be re-used also came as a surprise to myself. For example, the skin and the larynx or the voice box too can be donated!

      The stats are just vague and rough figures, but there are a lot of people in need, and many of them do not get the much needed help.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I hope you’ll help to spread the awareness.

    1. That’s all okay June, not your fault. 🙂 It used to be Harleena mostly, so that’s what you’d expect. And, I don’t mind it, it’s one and the same thing, no need to apologize. 😉

  39. Hi Harleena,

    Sorry I haven’t been around for so long. 🙂

    This is a very detailed and worthwhile post. A lot of people don’t think about being organ donors. But it’s a great idea. Saving the life of someone else is one the best things we can do.

    I signed up as an organ donor when I passed my driving test 14 years ago. It used to be one of the questions they asked when you applied for your driving license. I’m not sure it that’s still the case.

    If everyone signed up, a lot of lives could be saved. Thanks for sharing this useful post Harleena.

    Enjoy your week. 🙂

    1. Hi June,

      Great to have you back! Harleena tells me you’re a regular to the blog and we understand that you’ve your priorities and I’m glad you could take out time to visit the blog.

      Thanks for your appreciation of the post. I agree that its a great idea and I’m so happy that I’m already an organ donor and am so happy with the thought that I might be able to save up to 8 lives, that probably I wouldn’t even be able to do while I live!

      Yes, the test for driving license still includes that question and you’re right, if everybody answers in the affirmative, it would help so many people.

      Thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts. 🙂

  40. Vinay,

    These are some awesome resources for a wonderful cause. I work in the medical industry and I see first hand the lives that have been positively impacted through the donation of organs.

    Your 7 reasons are very compelling and on top of it all you have provided an awesome step by step guide on how to become an organ donor. If there is anyone out there who can be an organ donor and currently is not I surely hope they read this article. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Hi Nathaniel,

      It’s great to hear that from someone who is a professional working in the medical industry. I feel donation of organs only increase positivity in every sense and do no harm.

      However, there are certain beliefs and myths that stop people from making their pledge and more awareness is needed on that front.

      I’m glad you like the post and find it useful. Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts.

  41. Hi Vinay

    I never knew before the big difference between brain death and natural death with regard to organ donation.

    It is shocking to know half a million people die just because they don’t have facility of donated organs.

    I think there is huge need to raise public awareness on this topic also as you played your role by writing this post and we should do our by sharing this post with our friends.

    Belief system of a person also plays a big role to do or not to do an organ donation.

    Those who firmly believe in life hereafter they should be made aware that physical existence has no place in life hereafter.

    Our religious leaders can play a bigger role in this regard as you know more than 80 per cent people live under a belief system ideologically if not practcially.

    Thanks a lot for writing another post on equally an important topic.

    1. Hi Mi Muba,

      There is an underlying controversy over brain death and natural death. Even different scientists, doctors, and theists have different opinions about brain death. But as of now, vital body organs can only be transferred if the patient is declared brain dead and confirmed by a neurologist as per the strict norms.

      That’s right. Many people die waiting in the long list of transplant patients just because the demand is more than the supply. Eventually, the rich are able to make it and the poor are left out because the whole process of organ transplantation is very costly.

      If more and more people come forward and pledge their organs, not only the waiting list will get short but even the costs will come down so that even the poor can afford to live longer!

      Yes certain beliefs and myths are a major deterrent in organ donation. But let me tell you, the same people who oppose or do not pledge to be an organ donor for their beliefs or myths, will most likely want to receive organs if they need them to live longer in case of dire circumstances. So, one has to weigh things wisely and come to a decision.

      I agree with you that we all need to play our role in raising public awareness, myths have to be cleared, and we need to persuade religious leaders to help do that.

      Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts and for supporting organ donation.

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