Organ Donation
By Melissa Serrao
When confronted with the topic of death, one often wonders about how and when it will be, what would happen to my loved ones and the possessions I leave behind? Seldom does a person ponder over the prospect of donating his or her organs.
Organ Donation is the act of passing ones healthy organs, to someone in need of a transplant. Organs that can be donated are heart, lungs, liver, Kidney, pancreas. However, only a brain death patient can donate these particular organs. A patient is brain dead when a persons brain is devoid of activity in spite of the functioning of other organs, due to artificial life support. Tissues such as skin, bones, heart vales and corneas can be donated by both a brain dead person as well as someone who has had a cardiac death.
In India, 1 Lakh people from End Renal Failure Disease however, only 3000 live to see another day after having received organs. From 1995 to 2003, only 525 have received cadaver kidneys. Thus it is evident that the need for organs far outweighs the supply for the same. The wait for these patients is met with strife and struggle and most of them die waiting for an organ. Therefore the more people donate, larger is the number of people
who are saved.
Organ donation is extremely a noble cause and requires selflessness and courage, on the part of both the deceased and as well as their loved ones. The decision though not easy, needs to be communicated and talked about.
Most religions, including the Catholic Church support the noble cause of organ donation. In favour of Organ donation Pope John Paul II voiced his opinion, calling it “a genuine act of love” before a gathering of transplant specialists. “There is a need to instil in people’s hearts,
especially in the hearts of the young generation, a genuine and deep appreciation of the need for brotherly love, a love that can find expression in the decision to become an organ donor,”
After all Christ did sacrifice his body for the good of man kind. Our bodies are the temple of God and what better way to celebrate Jesus than by sharing it. In death there is life, the lord says and the gift of an organ breathes new life into another person, aiding in healing and health.
Deceased or cadaveric organ donation takes place once the patient has been declared as brain dead by the doctor and after all attempts to save the persons life have failed. This team works independent of the transplant team. Once consent has been received for donation the transplant team is notified. This group of doctors then work towards the retrieval of the healthy organs. Of course, family members can specify what they would
prefer to donate. The removal of organs is done with utmost respect and care for the patient, such that it does not disfigure the body or alter its appearance. Organs are removed surgically, in a routine operation similar to gallbladder or appendix removal. Post retrieval, normal funeral arrangements are possible.
Lastly I would like to quote, Revelation chapter 21: 4,5 “In eternity we will neither have nor need our earthly bodies: former things will pass away, all things will be made new.”
For more information on Organ Donation
Contact Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre (ZTCC)
022-24028197
or
Voice your thoughts at http://organdonationindia.blogspot.com
Or mail at serraomelissa@gmail.com
Melissa Serrao
98206 82163
B-303, 3rd floor, God’s Gift Tower
S.V. Road and Hill Road Junction
Near Lucky Restaurant
Bandra (West)
Mumbai 400050