Organ Donation

I have selected some family members and a friend to interview about the sensitive topic of organ donors. Some of my responses have been surprising and unexpected, especially from 12 year old Tom.

Tom (12) was asked the following questions:

DO YOU KNOW WHAT AN ORGAN DONOR IS?

When you die, you give your organs to other people who need them?

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE AN ORGAN DONOR?

Yes, because I wont need them anymore and other people would eg.they might need a new heart

ARE THERE ANY ORGANS YOU WOULD NOT LIKE TO BE USED?

(The initial response was a cheeky smirk, then I explained they don't use THAT organ)

They can have everything

HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF A SMOKER GOT YOUR ORGANS?

I would be disappointed as I don't agree with smoking and I work hard to keep my body healthy

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE TAUGHT IN CLASSROOMS ABOUT BEING AN ORGAN DONOR?

Yes, so other kids can learn about it and how you can save a life if you lose yours

The next person interviewed was my husband Nigel. He is 41 and has juvenile diabetes, so other than his own health issues making him believe he is not a good candidate for organ donations, he may need some of his own one day.

ARE YOU AN ORGAN DONOR?

No

WHY NOT?


Up until now, I have never really given it much thought or talked to anybody about it.

ARE THERE ANY ORGANS YOU WOULD NOT LIKE DONATED?

Not sure there are any they could use

WOULD YOU CARE IF A SMOKER OR HEAVY DRINKER GOT YOUR ORGANS?

I wouldn't like a smoker or someone who has abused their bodies to get them

IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO TOM (OUR SON) WOULD YOU WANT HIS ORGANS DONATED?

I may be too distraught to make a decision like that, but would possibly discuss my feelings with my wife. I would hate to see his eyes missin when viewing his casket. I don't really want to think about the possibility of this happpening.

Lastly, I spoke to my friend Daniel. He is a 37 yr old single father, well educated and open minded.

These were his responses to the following questions

ARE YOU AN ORGAN DONOR?

yes

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BE AN ORGAN DONOR?

I believe there is not much point in taking my organs to the grave when someone else could use them.

ARE THERE ANY ORGANS YOU WOULD NOT WANT USED?

I am ok with all of them

WOULD YOU CARE IF A SMOKER, DRUG ADDICT OR HEAVY DRINKER GOT YOUR ORGANS?

It would be a shame, but it may even give them a much needed wake up call if they get a second chance

HOW HAVE YOU REGISTERED?

I carry a card in my wallet

DO FAMILY AND FRIENDS KNOW OF YOUR WISHES?

yes, my kids, parents and some of my friends know

IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN, WOULD YOU CONSIDER DONATING THEIR ORGANS?

It would be a very difficult decision but I think I would.