Organ donors can change the lives of up to 50 people. It is not something we think about but experts say it's a good idea to raise the subject right now.
Hospitals are filled with people awaiting transplants of every kind … something Dr. Alan Cheung is all too familiar with.
"As a transplant surgeon, I see that every day. As you know, we're currently doing transplantations in heart, in liver, in kidney and pancreas transplants and as a donor you can help a lot of people live longer and also have better lives,” said Cheung.
There are people walking around today thanks to organ transplants.
But that wouldn't be possible if the families of the donors weren't cooperative.
"It's very important for the potential donor to discuss the donation with their family,” said Cheung. "If your family knows that's what you want to do, they're more likely to go along with your wishes."
Steve Kula of the Organ Donor Center of Hawaii echoes the doctor's thoughts - saying it's important to talk about your decision now.
"When it's an organ donor, it's usually at a very stressful time. It's an unexpected type of death so they don't need the pressure of having to make decisions for that person if they already know what they are,” said Kula.
As you heard, some 50 people's lives can be changed by one donor.
"I think that's the goal of the organ donor center of Hawaii is to get the community to realize the benefit of being an organ donor,” said Kula.
Right now, some forty to forty one percent of Hawaii's registered drivers have signed up to be organ donors.
And frankly, it's not just about organs.
"Some people can't become an organ donor, but they can with the skin, the bones, the tendons, the veins, the eyes - pretty much we can recycle everything you might say,” said Kula.
Click here to find out more or to become an organ donor.
