Vital Organs

Organ failure is complicated, because organs don't fail suddenly, like a lightbulb might.  It's not to say they never do.  It's just that the most common scenario is one where the vital organ slowly deteriorates  over time. 

They're called vital organs, because they literally sustain life. In other words, our lives are literally dependent on these organs functioning properly. But quality of life is also directly related to how well these organs function. I frequently think about patients who are waiting for a lung transplant, because drowning seems like an unpleasant way to die. So...drowning ON LAND seems even scarier. 

Patients who are registered on organ transplant waiting lists are usually in a more advanced stage of failure or decay. For many of them, quality of life is lower than the percentage of organ function remaining. That bums me out, because the shortage of viable organs for transplantation is something that CAN be solved through awareness.  We just don't have enough of the right people talking about it in the right forum.

Lets get together and fix that!

Meanwhile, here's to those of you fortunate enough to have received a healthy kidney...

Organ and Tissue Donation

It's amazing to me that someone can go from disastrously poor health to living a completely normal life, after a short recovery period...just by receiving an organ from someone who no longer needs it. It REALLY is incredible! 

The choice to donate should be an easy one. Unfortunately, it can be extremely complicated if family members haven't been told about the donor's desire to do so...mostly because the actual donation takes place during an incredibly difficult and painful part of the surviving family's life. Anger and resentment are a common part of the grieving process, and those strong emotions frequently prevent us from realizing the incredible amount of good that can come through a tragic loss of the life of a loved one.  

As an organ donor, I know that I no longer need my organs after I pass away. But if my wife and children don't know of my desire to donate life, then it's NOT likely that saving the lives of others will be top of mind for them only moments after my passing. Because of that, it's up to ME to let them know. And by knowing, they WILL be aware of the need, and they WILL notice the good that will come by honoring my wishes.

Be an organ donor, and tell your loved ones about your choice.

Heart Donation Art

Of all organ transplants, heart transplants seem the most miraculous to me! I'm fascinated by the fact that we can keep a heart viable to then sustain life in another human being. It really is amazing!

I created this piece for someone whose #organtransplantstory was shared with @the_waitinglist on Instagram. For the record, my Instagram account is where most of my projects get posted. Check out @WireAngel to see more!

Kidney Donation Art

I've been an organ donation advocate for years, but the last year has allowed me to use my hobby to help further the cause. Organ and tissue donation--unlike many of today's in curable diseases--actually CAN be solved through awareness!!  Lets do this!!