On December 29, 1999, four days after Christmas, our family received a Christmas miracle. My husband, Miller, received a life-saving heart transplant. After waiting, in the hospital, for six months, our prayers were answered and he was given the gift of a second chance at life.

But, our journey of transplant did not end with Miller's surgery. In 2004, we started a nonprofit organization, North Carolina Transplant Foundation, to help other transplant patients and their families with the out-of-pocket expenses incurred before, during, and after transplantation.

North Carolina Transplant Foundation (www.nctransplant.org) provides financial assistance as well as emotional support. But, another important part of our mission is to increase the awareness of the great need for more organ donors.

The List Continues to Grow

As of 12:37p.m. (EST) on November 20, 2008, 100,552 people were waiting in the United States for an organ that will save their life.  Approximately only one half or less will live to see transplant.  If everyone in the U.S were designated as organ donors, no one would ever have to wait for transplant again.

There are many myths surrounding organ donation, which may keep people from becoming organ donors. Some people believe if they have the organ donor designation on their driver's license, they will not be saved at the scene of an accident. What they do not realize is that the organ procurement coordinator, the person who asks the family for the donation, is not called until the person is declared brain dead by a neurologist. This is done after many tests and all life-saving measures have been taken.  

Some folks believe they are too old to be an organ donor, that their parts are "all worn out." Today's technology makes it possible to re-use not only organs, but organ parts, such as the valve of a heart. Also, bone, skin, and tissue may be transplanted, saving limbs or sight or as a repair measure for burn victims. It is better to become an organ donor, despite your age, and to give the doctors the option of what to use or not.

Who's On The List

Here are some current facts about those waiting in the U.S for an organ: (taken from www.unos.org - United Network of Organ Sharing)

• There are 137 children under the age of 1 waiting for transplant
• There are 591 children between the ages of 1and 5 waiting for transplant
• There are 389 children between the ages of 6 and 10 waiting for transplant
• There are 923 children between the ages of 11 and 17 waiting for transplant
• There are 11,073 teenagers between the ages of 18 and 34 waiting for transplant
• There are 30,342 people ages 35-49 waiting for transplant
• There are 48,266 adults ages 50-64 waiting for transplant
•  There are 16,687 people age 65 or older waiting for transplant.

Of those waiting the breakdown by organ is as follows:

• 82,741 Kidneys
• 16,593 Livers
• 1,629 Pancreas
• 2,333 Kidney/Pancreas
• 2,713 Hearts
• 2,079 Lungs
• 95 Heart/Lung

There are 63,145 men waiting for transplant and 45,263 women.(Some are waiting for multiple organs.)

How To Become An Organ Donor

The best way to become an organ donor is by telling your family your desire. This takes the decision out of their hands so that, when the time comes, they do not have to make this decision in the midst of a crisis situation.

Putting a designation on your driver's license is another way to become an organ donor. In some states, such as North Carolina, the heart on the driver's license is an indication of a legal commitment you have made to donate your organs.

Your state's organ procurement organization (OPO) can provide you with the Uniform Donor Card. By signing this card and having it witnessed by two people, you can become a "card carrying" organ donor.

The important thing is to consider becoming an organ donor.  We all have the power to save a life. Since his transplant, Miller has met his first grandchild, walked our daughter down the aisle, been our son's Best Man, seen the Caribbean for the first time, and enjoyed hours and hours of love and laughter with his friends and family. For me, I've been given nine more years (and counting) with my best friend.

Organ Donation -- It really is the gift that keeps on giving...