Life from Death

Two sides of a medical miracle.

"We are so sorry but there is nothing more that we can do medically. We can only make them as comfortable as possible."

"I know it's tough to wait but there are so many factors that have to be considered when looking at a match."

"This is a representative from Life Gift. They would like to talk to you about organ donation."

"Is there anything I can get for you besides the organ you want most? Anything?"

"We know how difficult the decision to donate is but please consider the miracle you would be giving another family member at this time. What would your loved one want you to do?"

"They found a potential organ. We'll let you know in a little bit whether it is viable or not. In the meantime, we're going to run all the necessary lab work, get your weight, all that good stuff so that if we get the all-clear we can run with it."

"We need to transfer to the operating room right now. We know it is difficult to say good-bye and we'll give you a few more minutes."

"Everything is looking good. I'm going to give you a good pre-surgical scrub down and shave the incision area. Do you have any questions before we do this last preparatory step?"

"We're heading to the operating room now. We're so sorry for your loss. Please drive safely and get some sleep. It's very important that you remember to take care of yourself right now. We love you."

"We're going up to the operating room now. We'll move the belongings into the post-surgery recovery room. It's not going to be that quick so please, please, take a nap. When  a representative from the surgical team comes out to give you an update they can wake you up. Any last questions?"

"Scalpel."

"We're hear today to celebrate the life of....."


1 December 2001 was the day my family and another's went through a scenario similar to this. We got to have 4 additional years with my dad because someone generously gave of themselves. That person and family whose name I don't even know gave us the best Christmas present. And at the same time we mourned their loss with them.

As we enter the holiday season, consider the possibility of giving someone else the gift of life. Become an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Register with the bone marrow registry and save someone's life.