Flowers, chocolates, organ donation — are you in? Gifts of life are fitting on Valentine’s Day and any other day of the year

Now, let me tell you something important. Chocolates and flowers? They’re wonderful tokens of affection. The aroma of fresh roses, the sweetness of hand-crafted truffles—classic Valentine’s gestures, no doubt. Yet, what if we could give something that transcends these traditional symbols of love? Something that doesn’t just brighten someone’s day but actually saves their life?

You absolutely can do this. For individuals awaiting an organ, tissue, or blood donation, your gift could exceed anything money could possibly buy. Valentine’s Day doubles as National Donor Day. This makes it the perfect time for blood drives and organ donation sign-ups. Have questions about what can be donated? Concerns about posthumous donation or risks for living donors? Let’s explore together.

The enormous impact of organ, tissue, or cell donation

Picture this scenario: you’re facing kidney failure, requiring dialysis for over 12 hours a week just to stay alive. Imagine knowing you’re still likely facing a shortened lifespan. Or imagine your liver failing, causing severe nausea, itching, and confusion, with only weeks or months left. Cancer patients needing bone marrow transplants, or those who’ve lost vision to corneal disease, might find a donor to be their single ray of hope.

Organ and tissue donation can completely transform these situations. They offer recipients a chance at longevity and a better quality of life. Despite this, we face a critical gap. The number of people needing organs dramatically exceeds available donors. National surveys show about 95% of Americans support organ donation, yet only about 60% are registered donors. More than 100,000 people currently wait for organ transplants in the US. Sadly, around 6,200 die each year waiting.

How to become an organ donor?

Becoming an organ donor is simple and meaningful. You can sign up online through your state’s donor registry. It’s also possible when renewing your driver’s license at the DMV. The process takes only a few minutes.

Tell your family about your choice. It’s crucial they understand your wishes. Informing loved ones prevents confusion about your intentions later. Your decision can help save lives and inspire others, even after you’re gone. If you’re interested in living donation, contact a transplant center. They will guide you through eligibility and the entire process. This way, you can make an informed decision about this generous act.

Why donate organs on Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love and care. It’s a day when we think of giving and heartfelt gestures. Organ donation perfectly aligns with these sentiments, offering the ultimate gift of life. This day’s emotional resonance makes it a powerful moment to reflect on how we can give unforgettably.

Organ donation isn’t just about altruism; it’s about creating lasting bonds. Giving organs is a profound way to impact lives. By starting rich conversations about donation on Valentine’s, we spread the message of selfless love. It’s a chance to contribute to society meaningfully, in line with the day’s theme of affection and giving.

What can you donate?

The possibilities for helping have expanded tremendously. Certain organs, tissues, or cells can be donated during life, while other donations occur after death. One single donor can help more than 80 people!

After death, people can donate:

• Bone, cartilage, and tendons
• Corneas
• Face and hands (though uncommon, they are among the newest additions to this list)
• Kidneys
• Liver
• Lungs
• Heart and heart valves
• Stomach and intestine
• Nerves
• Pancreas
• Skin
• Arteries and veins

Live donations may include:

• Birth tissue, such as the placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid, which can be used to help heal skin wounds or ulcers and prevent infection
• Blood cells, serum, or bone marrow.
• A kidney
• Part of a lung
• Part of the intestine, liver, or pancreas

Becoming a donor after death: questions and misconceptions

Many misconceptions limit organ donor registration. Some people incorrectly believe doctors won’t work as hard to save your life if you’re known to be an organ donor. Others think their religion forbids organ donation, or they cannot have an open-casket funeral if they donate organs.

None of these claims holds water. These myths shouldn’t discourage your decision to become an organ donor. Ethical medical professionals always prioritize patient interests. Your care would never be compromised due to your organ donation choices. Most major religions not only permit but actively support organ donation. After organ donation, the body shows no external signs of the procedure, making open-casket funerals possible.

Live donors: blood, bone marrow, and organs

Have you ever donated blood? If yes, you’re already a live donor! The risk varies depending on what you’re donating:

• Blood, platelets, or plasma: If you’re eligible to donate, risks are minimal or non-existent.
• Bone marrow: Requires a minor surgical procedure. General anesthesia carries a small risk of reaction. Bone marrow is extracted through needles in the pelvis bones. Back or hip pain can occur but is managed with pain relievers. Your body quickly regenerates the removed bone marrow, preventing long-term issues.
• Stem cells: Found in bone marrow or umbilical cord blood, stem cells also appear in small quantities in our bloodstream. Donation resembles blood donation and takes approximately seven to eight hours. Filgrastim, which boosts stem cell production, is administered for several days beforehand. It may cause flu-like symptoms, bone pain, and fatigue, though these resolve quickly post-procedure.
• Kidney, lung, or liver: Surgery involves risks of complications, anesthesia reactions, and lengthy recovery. Donating these organs requires a significant commitment.

The majority of live organ donations occur without issues. Donors typically report positive feelings about their life-changing decision.

Who can donate?

Almost anyone can donate blood or stem cells. Exceptions include those with active cancer, widespread infection, or unhealthy organs.

Age alone doesn’t disqualify you. In 2023, over 35% of deceased donors were over 50. People in their 90s have donated organs, saving others’ lives.

Bone marrow transplants may have higher failure rates with older donors. So, they avoid bone marrow donations from people over 55 or 60.

The bottom line

You have the power to make an extraordinary impact by becoming a donor during life or after death. In the United States, you must actively opt in to become a posthumous donor. Research suggests the opt-out approach employed by many other countries could dramatically increase organ donation rates.

I remain hopeful that organ donation will increase throughout the US and globally over time. While chocolate makes a lovely Valentine’s gift, perhaps this year you might consider something more profound: becoming a donor.

Summary

This article highlights how Valentine’s Day is perfect for promoting organ donation. These gifts of life fit the day’s themes of love and care. Organ donation connects us on a deeper level. It offers a way to save lives and share compassion. Next up for readers: check out how you can discuss organ donation with family, bring it up at medical check-ups, or include it in legal preparations.