How to become a donor 101

Many people have asked what it takes to become a donor.  So I thought I would do a little post to get you started if you are interested! 

Organ donation is a huge gift to give someone.  Many people don't know that there are many organs that can be donated by a living donor...such as a Kidney! 

donatelifeohio.org is a great website on organ donation.  It gives a lot of information about how to register as a donor and ways you can volunteer and spread awareness of organ donation.  I am sure you have all seen the green chair commercials.  I proudly wear a green chair pin on my coat in order to spread awareness of organ donation. 

Well back to information on kidney donation......
In order to donate to (let's say to David) you would first need to be the same blood type.  For him that is O.  You would need to contact OSU comprehensive transplant clinic. (I can provide you with the number if this is something you would really consider).  It would start with a basic blood test to make sure you are blood type O.  The next step would be physical testing to ensure you are healthy enough to donate.  Basically you have to be in tip top shape!  More detailed blood work would be done then.  Not only do you need to have matching blood types, but your antibodies that are build up in your blood have to match or be very similar to the person you are donating to. 

Living organ donation is a very selfless act.  It is a big decision that should not be taken lightly.  However, the gift you can give to someone who is in need is priceless.  It is an amazing gift that can never be repaid. 

If you do want more information please feel free to contact me!  I am also looking into what fundraising can be done toward dialysis and organ donation.  There is a  walk sponsored by the National Kidney foundation in October that I will be participating in (not sure if I will create our own team or walk with our Dialysis unit) but I will update closer to time! 

Thanks for all the support you all continue to show us! 
David and Alice