More than 1,500 people are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant today in Ontario. This is their only treatment option, and every three days someone will die because they did not get their transplant in time.
But you can help. When you register your consent for organ and tissue donation, you let those waiting know that you would help them if you could.
April is Be A Donor Month, and Niagara Health, in partnership with Trillium Gift of Life Network, is encouraging residents to register as organ and tissue donors.
“We’re grateful for our partnership with Trillium Gift of Life Network and the lives that have been saved because of others’ decision to be a donor,” says Heather Paterson, Niagara Health’s Director of Clinical Services.
Some facts to consider:
- One donor can save up to 8 lives through organ donation and enhance the lives of up to 75 more through the gift of tissue.
- Age alone does not disqualify someone from becoming a donor. The oldest organ donor was over 90 and the oldest tissue donor was over 100. There’s always potential to be a donor; it shouldn’t stop you from registering.
- Your current or past medical history does not prevent you from registering to be a donor. Individuals with serious illnesses can, sometimes, be organ and/or tissue donors. Each potential donor is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
You can become an organ and tissue donor and help someone in need by registering at www.beadonor.ca
Trillium Gift of Life Network is a not-for-profit agency of the Government of Ontario dedicated to the planning, promotion, coordination and support of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
