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A Gift For Life Book
A Guide for Families
Thoughts From The Parents of a Donor
Some Suggestions To Help With Your Grieving
Questions About Organ And Tissue Donation
How are the vital organs used?
Who can donate tissue and how is it used?
What happens once your decision to donate has been made?
Is there any cost to the family?
Will I be told who receives the donation?
We understand that this is a difficult time for you. May the concern and sympathy of those who care help you through this time of sorrow. This booklet is written to provide you with some information on living through grief and help answer your questions about organ and tissue donation. It serves as a reference for much of what you may have already discussed with your transplant coordinator. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible about your decision and know that it has been respected. If you have questions or concerns please contact your transplant coordinator or LifeNet Health's Donor Family Advocate.
Thoughts From The Parents of a Donor
We overheard our son talking one day. He said, "I know how I will live forever. When I die, I'll give my heart to a baby, the baby will live and grow old and when he dies, he will give my/his heart to another baby and on and on. I'll give all my parts to different people." His friend said "Whoever gets your eyes will be very lucky as they are so beautiful."
A year or so after stating his scheme for immortality, our son died. He was 18 years old. He gave all that he could. Yes, he lives forever in our hearts and in the hearts of hundreds of people who have benefited from his donation. Yes, the ones who received his beautiful corneas are lucky.
Becoming a donor family was purely a selfish decision.a continuance of his life through others. It has been our salvation. He lives and we are very proud to have made that possible.
The grieving process following the death of someone close to you is the same whether or not there has been organs or tissues donated. However, such a gift given in the face of tragedy can offer comfort to the survivors. The donation provides some meaning and the feeling that the person lives on in some way. One mother said, "It doesn't feel so final since some of my son lives on in others."
This section of A Gift for Life is to help you know what to expect from grief and to serve as a guide through the grief process and beyond.