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Column 23

Daily Camera

Enid Ablowitz

A Gift Anyone Can Give

By Enid Ablowitz

In this column, I have expounded several times on the concept that you don’t have to be rich to give. In fact, if you look at the statistics of financial donations, on average those in lower income brackets give more as a percentage of income than do those with higher incomes.

But there is a type of donation that is a great equalizer and one that is impossible to put a dollar value on---the gift of sight, of healing, or of life itself--- through tissue and organ donation.

American culture tends to shy away from discussions of death. We avoid planning for our end of life, whether it is dealing with medical powers of attorney, medical directives or estate planning, either because we choose not to deal with our own mortality or because we think we have plenty of time.

Sometimes, however, death comes out of the normal chronology of aging through disease or accident and often with little or no notice. You might have done some planning, like asking yourself: Are my financial affairs in order? Does my family know my wishes? How do I want to be remembered?

But there is one more question you should ask yourself. Am I willing to give a part of myself, through tissue or organ donation, to perpetuate my life by physically becoming a part of someone else’s?

While I’ve been aware of organ donation as a form of giving, I never thought about it much thought until recently. Our local Rotary Club is joining many other Rotary clubs around the US in promoting organ and tissue donation. There’s a donor awareness campaign to provide information, stimulate discussion and challenge people to make a commitment to this worthwhile effort.

Philanthropy is customarily seen as gifts of money, however, the original meaning of the word comes from the Greek, philein, to love, and anthropos, man. What could be more of an act of love than the ultimate gift of a lifesaving organ or tissue transplant?

Suppose you have decided that yes, you do want to make such a gift. How do you make the arrangements? Actually, it is quite easy. You may have already done it, if you have a driver’s license and checked the organ donor box when you obtained or renewed your license. If there is a Y or a heart symbol on the front of your license, you are already in the donor registry. However, if you signed the back of your license, you are not automatically registered, and you need to join. The e-mail address is: ColoradoDonorRegistry.org, and the telephone number is 303-380-4802.

If you are like me, you probably have a few questions. Here are some of the “faq’s” (frequently asked questions) and the answers from information provided by the Donor Awareness Council:

Who may join? There is no age limit. Anyone can be a donor, but if you’re under 18, you must have consent of a parent or legal guardian.

Who has access to the Registry? Only official organ and tissue recovery agencies, and all they have is the information about the person’s identity and that they wish to be a donor. Colorado law prohibits Registry information from being sold or shared with any company or government agency.

What if you have a chronic health problem? Rarely does that rule out all donations, as some organs or tissues may still be eligible.

Do I have to join the Registry? No, but it is easier when there is documentation so there is no misunderstanding. In any case, be sure to tell your family your wishes.

Is there a national organ and tissue donor registry? Unfortunately, none exists at this time.

Can I change my mind? Yes, by contacting the Registry.

Is there any cost? No. It costs nothing to donate, and no costs are passed on to a donor’s family or estate.

According to the Donor Awareness Council, a nonprofit coalition made up of organizations like the Laboratories at Bonfils/Bonfils Blood Center, The University of Colorado Hospital, The Children’s Hospital, Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center, The Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank, and many others, “one organ and tissue donor can save and enhance the lives of 50 people.” And, “choosing to become a donor does not alter anyone’s medical care. Organ and tissue recovery can only occur after every effort has been made to save the donor’s life and after death has been declared.”

Make a conscious choice. Talk about your intentions with your family so that in the pain and grief of the moment, they know what you would have wanted. You can give life and quality of life.

You don’t have to be rich to give. You just have to have the desire.

Enid Ablowitz is the Vice President for Advancement at the University of Colorado Foundation, Inc., and Director of Advancement for the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities. She has been working as a donor advocate for more than a dozen years. Her book, Making Money Matter: Eight Steps to Thoughtful Giving was recently published. For information on how to obtain a copy, contact her at enidablowitz@hotmail.com.

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