*This article was not written by the staff at the UVU Review. The purpose of the following article is to aid in a local Eagle Scout Project.
As a seventh grader at Lakeridge Jr. High School, what would I know about organ and tissue donation? Well, I’ve learned quite a bit as I’ve worked on my Boy Scout Eagle project on this very topic. In addition, I have first-hand knowledge of the importance of organ and tissue donation because my birth mother was able to bless more than six people with organ and tissue donations after she died in childbirth with me thirteen years ago.
One thing I’ve learned was that one organ donor can save the lives of nine people, and a single eye and tissue donor can restore sight to two people and enhance the lives of up to 50 more. Every person who registers gives hope to people on the waiting list.
I also learned that there are three ways to sign up to be an organ donor: first, you can mark “yes” on your driver’s license application; second, you can sign up online at www.yesutah.org and click “sign up”; and third, you can call 1-866-YES-UTAH.
Here are some more facts about organ donation:
- Most major religions in the United States support organ donation and consider donation as the final act of love and generosity toward others.
- Over 90,000 Americans are waiting for an organ transplant.
- Thousands die every year waiting for a donor organ that never comes.
- Anyone, regardless of age or medical history, can sign up to be a donor.
- There is no cost to donors or their families for organ or tissue donation.
As part of my Eagle project, I will have a display at the UVU Hall of Flags on Monday, February 27, 1:00-4:00 p.m. You will be able to sign up to be a donor and have your questions answered. Hope to see you there!
