Wednesday, June 17, 2009

A Different Take On Living Organ Donations

Usually, when organ donation occurs, the donation is through cadaveric donation, or a deceased donor who has chosen to give the gift of life upon his death. While there is no question that this is the noblest of gifts, it is always proceeded by a tragedy and encompasses grief on one side of the equation. I spoke with a gentleman the other day who talked about his son who was killed in a car accident and had donated his organs. The man cried the whole time, reliving the death of his son in the telling of his story. As much as I was against my husband risking his life, I have to make the observation that by being a living organ donor, we were able to enjoy the thrill of saving a life without having to grieve over a life lost at the same time. Interesting paradox if you really think about it.