The Editor,
April is National Organ Donor Awareness Month. As a four-time cornea transplant recipient (and a BC Transplant Society volunteer), I know what it is like to be on a waiting list for a transplant. I have a rare eye disease called keratoconus and I am eternally grateful for these most precious gifts that have made a profound difference in my quality of life.
Approximately 500 people are currently on waiting lists in British Columbia for life-saving transplants and another 500 are waiting for corneas. Thirty British Columbians died while waiting for transplants last year.
Some people say they are too old to be organ donors but the oldest donor in Canada was 92.
Some people say it is against their religion but most religions support and encourage donation.
Please do not let misconceptions stop you from registering today. These gifts are known to help the healing process for those loved ones left behind and those who have donated have undeniably left this world a better place.
The BC Transplant Society's hope is that people will be inspired to step up and consider becoming organ donors and sign onto the registry. Currently, 85% of B.C. residents support organ donation but, sadly, only 18% have registered their decision. Register to be an organ donor at: transplant.bc.ca or call 604-877-2240.
Nancy McCurrach,
Port Coquitlam
