The Gift Of Life Through Donation
As we move into the month of April, it’s hard not to think about the value of time and its transient nature as each year of our lives continues. It feels like we just finished celebrating the winter holidays and time is already moving quickly. Activities spent with our family, time enjoying special events, savoring time outside playing with children, grandchildren, or just experiencing nature all have a way of making us appreciate our time and the value of life. Life is a gift and most of us take for granted the blessing of another day.
Many people are waiting hopefully for the opportunity to receive the blessing of another day. April is the month we recognize the gift of life through tissue, eye, and organ donation. The power of this decision can save up to eight lives through organ donation. Two people could receive sight through cornea donation and up to 75 lives can be saved or healed through tissue donation. In 2023, Midland Memorial Hospital had 5 organ donors and over 14 tissue donors. In 2023, 21 organs were transplanted.
How do you become an organ donor? To register as an organ donor and receive more information about organ donation, you can visit the website donatelifetexas.org. Anyone can register to become a donor. All donors are evaluated for medical suitability at the time of donation, and individuals with common health conditions could still become a donor, so don’t let that impact your decision to register. Also, communicate your wishes with your family. Let them know about your decision. It makes the transition much easier for loved ones when they know your wishes before they have to make those crucial decisions.
From April 8 through April 12, Midland Memorial will recognize those who have given the gift of life. During Donate Life Week, refreshments will be available, and information will be handed out on how to register to become an organ donor. On Friday, we will have a small ceremony and raise the Donate Life flag which will continue to fly throughout the month of April. Although it is a small gesture to recognize all those who made the life-saving decision to donate, we recognize the significant impact they made on the lives of others. We continue to celebrate them, their contributions, and the lives they saved for their willingness to donate.