Someone I know’s mom passed away from cancer. She was a donor, but because of the severity and location of the cancer all that could be taken were her corneas. The family got two letters over the next few months, one from each case where a cornea was used.

Adam ~ Thanks for posting this on your blog. I think this is a great thing. I am a donor (I put it on my license years ago) and I always tell others to do the same.

I am a donor, always have been, always will be. It seems like a no brainer to me.

Even before I met my wife I was a donor but here is how it will effect my family.

My wife has a medical condition that has caused one of her retina’s to detach (leaving her blind in one eye), it will be a matter of time before the other one does (leaving her completely blind), and as far as her sight now, she could be legally classified as blind.

She see’s one of the best eye doctors in the world, and with all of the advances they are making in the world of transplants (I pick his brain everything I see him), it is only a matter of time before they can do a complete eye transplant.

When that happens, my wife will be one of the world’s first recipients, she is an absolute prime candidate.

I may have a warped sense of death but I just see no reason to not donate, I have already planned my funeral, there will not be one, I am donating anything and everything, when they are done, medical students can practice carving on me if they want. There will be a small memorial service, where pictures of me and my friends and family will be displayed, there will be a live southern rock band, an open bar, and lots of pretty girls scantily clad, people can talk about the good and the bad times they had with me, I want my kids to be able to meet some of my army buddies and my army buddies to meet my kids. I just want a big party where people can laugh about the good times.

Hopefully I die in a way that is comically tragic, that way everybody gets one last good laugh (shot the head by a jealous husband (only if I am older than 90)), maybe I could go out in a gigantic boom after being video taped saying “watch this, but u better stand back”.

But my parts? those are fair game, provided any of them survive.

Patty ??? !

Our family has signed up for this as well.
I made this decision a long time ago mainly since I am blind in my right eye. My left eye is great and healthy—-I of course had heard of cornea transplants, so I figured when my time comes if I could help improve a life with the gift of sight that would be a good thing. Everyone should consider doing this - it doesn’t cost you a thing; and as the saying goes; you can’t take it with you!

We’re all donors in this family!

Derek-
Payers for your wife.
(maybe I can help her out someday - I hope you like brown eyes. )

Thank you Adam!

A poem that Kathy was fond of… (derek’s comment reminded me of it)

To Remember Me.
Give my sight to the man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby’s face or love in the eyes of a woman.
Give my heart to a person whose own heart has caused nothing but endless days of pain.
Give my blood to the teenager who was pulled from the wreckage of his car, so he might live to see his grandchildren play.
Give my kidneys to the one who depends on a machine to exist week to week.
Take my bones, every muscle, every fiber and nerve in my body and find a way to make a crippled child walk.
Explore ever corner of my brain. Take my cells, if necessary, and let them grow so that someday a speechless boy will shout at the crack of a bat and a deaf girl will hear the sound of rain on her window.
Burn what is left of me and scatter the ashes to the winds to help flowers grow.
If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses and all prejudice against my fellow man.
Give my soul to God.
If, by chance, you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or a word to someone who needs you.
If you do all I ask, I will live forever.
~Robert N. Test

a few national stats…

Waiting list candidates 98,797 as of today 10:14am
Transplants January - January 2008 2,197 as of 04/11/2008
Donors January - January 2008 1,132 as of 04/11/2008

Don’t forget there are LIVE donors also.
We personally know a man who needed a kidney, his wife happened to be his donor. Another man that his sister is his donor for a new kidney.
No greater Love, than the gift of life!

patty-

that is perfect

Donor-in-waiting here. Not quite as easy as you’ve all got it, but it can be willed here.

oh, and…

@Derek

Leaving aside the almost certainty that your Army brothers will insist on standing your boots in the corner, it sounds like you have it all worked out. I must admit, the “watch this, but u better stand back” would be a prizewinner. ((big grin))

Derek ((hugs)) for your wife and you too Jen.

I have “thyroid eyes”, long story, side effect of Graves Disease going undiagnosed for too long. It can easily cause detached retina’s. Scares me everyday. I see the eye specialists about once a month to stay on top of it.

Patty - Such a lovely and touching poem. Thanks for sharing and thanks for bringing this to everyone’s attention. Such an important issue

Derek - Thoughts and prayers are with you, your wife, and family

LDG - Is being a donor in Japan different than here?? Why would that be?? Different customs maybe??

Jen - Hugs to you also. Loved your slide show-Kenny G. and Smokeeeeee - WOW

Adam - Thanks for putting this in your blog for us.

@KC-Fresno

re: “Is being a donor in Japan different than here?? Why would that be?? Different customs maybe??”

The big number one reason is Buddhism being fairly widespread, in cultural beliefs if not in full practice. Like many non-Christian religions, there is great disconcert caused by not burning *all* the mortal remains together at funeary.

The lesser cultural reasons include rabid xenophobia (gets in the way of even doing blood donations in areas which are a bit behind on the cosmopolitan studies classes), and an astoundingly morbid willingness to accept what would be considered avoidable death or disability in many cases (looks a bit like the “God’s Will” believers who would not accept medical treatment, if you have ever met any who are strict about such thoughts.

There are also legal impediments, including no clear standard of determining time of death in brain-death cases, the ability of family to claim propriety of a family-members remains (which can overrule a willed donation), and lots of other little impediments that make it harder.

Surprisingly, perhaps, Japan is becoming a world leader in living organ transfers, including the split transplant of the liver (where one recipient is saved by a living donor’s part-liver donation).

It gets better every year though. There is no “stupid” about it, just a very conservative culture in some areas… but ‘we’ can learn to change, and ‘we’ are.

This also brings to mind donating blood.

I hear it all the time and I hate to admit it, but I have never done that.
I am going to look into it.

KC- thanks.

Yes Jen, blood. I too am at fault for not doing that.

Here is a link to our area’s network
http://www.mwob.org/myths.asp
at the bottom of the page is a link to a pdf file about religions and their feelings on donation.

I donate blood all the time, when I can.

I have to wait a year after returning from Iraq to donate, but that year is coming up.

I also have to wait a year after being tattooed, I guess its a good thing my Tat’s coincide with my returning from war (normally)

Ok Off topic (surprise surprise surprise)

I keep seeing the virginia tech memorials come up and my heart truly goes out to the families, I know it is difficult to deal with such a tragic loss, but I am seeing more and more tributes (not just the Virginia Tech) that are really devaluing their meaning.

Not that these families have not had a tragic loss, but lowering all of the flags in a state to half staff, I am seeing that so often now that it almost means nothing, I don’t even question why a flag is flown at half staff anymore. People do it for the death of almost anyone anymore, it seems to have lost its meaning.

That is not the thing that bothers me most, but now I have heard that the university played Tap’s during the memorial, and that one does bother me, and it bothers me a lot, I view that as something that military members have earned, they get so little of anything else, please allow them what little they get.

There is very little published about taps, just because so many of us have buried so many friends to its sound, that it is truly sacred to us, but the official unofficial definition for it is this:

“Taps belongs to those who give their last full measure of devotion to the defense of the nation and it’s vital interests, and to those who offer, and have offered, that devotion and yet live, Taps belongs also to those who have lived as military family members and face the sacrifice of giving up their loved ones, that the greater population may live in peace.

Taps is for those who have known their duty and done it…for those who have sacrificed for their country with honor…for those who have loved their country and served it well.

Taps is the music of the Soldiers Soul”

I know that playing Taps seemed like a good idea to grieving students, but with all due respect, it just does not belong to them.

@Derek

With the possible caveat that Virginia Tech is (used to be?) a cadet corps school…

“I know that playing Taps seemed like a good idea to grieving students, but with all due respect, it just does not belong to them.”

You have my support and concurrence.

Derek……….I can see where you’re coming from, regarding “Taps”…….here are some interesting points about “Taps”, that I wasn’t aware of until you brought up the subject. I know we have to keep in mind of who the source is, but interesting read just the same, IMO. Thanks for digressing the subject……I learned something new today because of it
Does that mean I can go outside and play now?………It’s gorgeous outside……

Would have made a whole lot more sense if I had included this in the first place………

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taps

That’s it, done for the day……

Derek, I agree. We’ve had that same conversation at work.
Growing up in the funeral home, I was raised that it is a very revered piece of music.
Working in gov’t, we don’t understand the drop of the flag anymore, we just do as we are told by higher ups. Many times it has nothing to do with someone in the service.

At the little old cemetary where our daughter and brother are buried, (and i do mean little, its the kind that is on the farthest hill that no one knows it is there) we placed a flag pole, and fly the Flag high and proud, in honor of the Vets buried there incuding my bro. The Flag never lowers, except to change it annually on memorial day. We have a large solar light that keeps it lit 24/7, the Vets didnt rest for us, so this flag doesnt rest for them. (yes, we talked to the VFW and Americal Legion, they have no problem with it)
http://www.slide.com/r/7sdAaRb82D_RjpQ2t_qASKs9Vxa9YuRY?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

Guess i sort of wandered with that, sorry.
So you all know, it’s not a good week here. The 19th is the 3rd year of Kathy being gone. The week prior is the worst for us. So many memories flood back in that normally we can usually keep ahandle on. You all are the best “side-track” for me. You keep me laughing and smiling. Thank you.

LDG-

True that they have a “corp of cadets”

but if any of the victims were entitled to taps, they would have had it done at their funeral

There may have been some veterans in the group of victims, but I am also of the mindset that cadets, are not veterans yet, unless they have prior service.

I am glad we can agree on it, but I do see where some people might view Taps as appropriate, with its military history, I just believe it was not appropriate in any way.

Taps, brings up too many memories of good friends that have earned it. I have been on too many honor guards, too many funeral details, too many friends buried, and Taps, when played at the grave of a friend, brings me a lot of closure, it is my last goodbye to them.

For anybody interested in the word to Taps, here they are, the melody speaks for itself and is one of the most recognized in the world, but the words are meaningful to think about:

Day is done
Gone the Sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest
God is nigh

Fading Light
Dims the sight
and a star, gems the sky. gleaming bright
from afar,
Drawing nigh
Falls the night

Thanks and praise
for our days
Neath the sun, neath the stars, neath the sky
As we go,
This we know
God is nigh

patty-

that is an excellent way of honoring veterans

excellent link john, taps has a very unique history, and there are a ton of “tales” around it. It is not something spoken about often so it does bring an aura of mystery to it.

we are all donors in my family as well and have been from the start. our oldest just got his learner’s permit to drive and he also chose to be a donor. Of course I would hope that nothing happens me my loved ones or myself but if it should - why not spread joy and life to others.
Adam has posted a new blog.

Patty, my sympathy and will say a prayer for all of you.

Beautiful slide Patty!

Regarding taps—maybe unfortunately we need a special *taps* for these situations like Virginia Tech.

We are donors here too–

patty– your slide show is so touching and beautiful!!!! thanks for sharing!

Here Derek and John-

Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.
1977 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.

Scenario: Jeffrey won’t be still in class, disrupts other students.
1977 - Jeffrey sent to the office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.

2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.

Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his neighbor’s car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1977 - Billy is more careful next time, mows yards to pay-off the window, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.
2007 - Billy’s dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy’s sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy’s mom has affair with psychologist.

Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.
1977 - Mark shares aspirin with Principal out on the smoking dock.
2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.
1977 - Ants die.
2007 - BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny’s Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1977 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

Makes you wonder what the next 30 years will bring?!?!?!

@Jen S

re: “special ‘Taps’ for these situations…”

Humanity has been making funeral music for most of its existence. There are literally thousands of dirges from the Renaissance on. There are likewise Marches, Retreats (Taps is a retreat, as I recall), and Odes. For religious purposes, several beliefs sponsor beautiful funeral music; Christians having been major contributors to that archive.

Might find a candidate in there somewhere.

Hello Adam, bloggers, Donors are a special, caring, breed of people, putting others before themselves in the name of humanity. They are kindred spirits…

A personal message:
In Memory of Meredith Emerson

Meredith had a great love for animals. She adopted her beloved Ella, who is now 1 year old, as a puppy from a rescue organization. Everyone has fallen in love with Ella, and she will go home with Meredith’s family to live.

Because of Meredith’s deep connection to animals, her family suggests that those wanting to make a donation in her memory give to Longmont Humane Society through this page.

Thank you so much for remembering Meredith this way.

Please go this site and read how this kiindred spirit has affected complete strangers with her love for animals and humanity.. :http://www.firstgiving.com/meredithemerson

This horrible tragedy can never defeat Meredith’s radiant, inspiring spirit and courage.
Frances 4/2/2008 I am a hiker, martial arts trained, & have a dog that resembles Ella, so my empathy is beyond words.
Diane, Dave, Sampson & Katie 3/29/2008 I am very sorry for you loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Dave, Marshon & Trevor 3/27/2008 Meredith’s light will shine on forever! All our love and prayers…
deborah m 3/27/2008 Peace to Meredith’s family
Betty & Richard Britt 3/27/2008 May the precious memories of Meredith & the enduring love of Ella bring peace to your hearts.
The Morelli Family 3/24/2008 Meredith embodied the true meaning of human kindness. May peace be with your family.
Anonymous 3/24/2008 In memory of Meredith. I will always admire her bravery.
Sarah 3/24/2008
Ken & Kelly Brunnemer 3/24/2008 God Bless
KEVIN BLANKENSHIP 3/23/2008 So sorry for your loss
Lisa Mayo 3/13/2008
anonymous 3/12/2008 Meredith is not forgotten! God’s blessings

Wolfscratch; She was a kindred spirit and a Fighter, she still is, may she rest in peace high up on that mountain…

http://music.aol.com/video/go-rest-high-on-that-mountain/vince-gill/1104198
http://www.glennindawson.blogspot.com