Linda Hall: The question of donation

Linda Hall, Assistant Editor, Hawke's Bay Today.

Being an organ donor is something most of us don't like to talk or think about because it means facing our own mortality.

It's a very personal choice and it also has many cultural issues surrounding it.

The story of Jessica Manning made me stop and think about it. I imagined what it would be like to be in her shoes. It must be absolutely terrible for her to know that in order for her to live someone has to die.

Jessica has been told that she will die within two years if she doesn't have a double organ transplant. She has started a petition to make organ donation mandatory.

I can totally understand why she is doing this and it is fantastic to get her story out there so people talk about it.

I bet loads of children wouldn't even know if their parents have agreed to be donors and, as it stands now, the final decision rests with the family of the deceased.

So even if they have agreed to be donors the family can say no. I understand that as well.

If you are a donor I guess it's up to you to impress on your family how important it is to you.

I'm not a donor but after reading Jessica's story I am having a serious think about it and will talk to my family members to see what they think.

I did a quick whiz around the office and was surprised to find that out of the 11 people I asked, only one of them was not a donor.

I also asked why.

"I'm not because I might be resurrected" — yes, well, that male can live in hope, I guess.

Another male who is a donor said "The thing is I could save a life. I'd only do it if I was dead, though. I'm not giving anything away while I'm alive."

The next male said "If I'm dead, I'm dead. Who cares? Good luck to anyone wanting my organs."

The last male I asked said he was a firm believer in it being compulsory.

"There are so may people out there with issues. It's great to think you could save people's lives."

I then turned to the females of the office.

"Yes, I'd like to be of some use to somebody some day when I'm dead. I'd like to make a little bit of difference in the world — people can be a little bit selfish. After all, when you are dead all you are doing is pushing up daisies."

I was impressed with this answer: "I made the decision when I was 15 when I got my licence. I didn't really think about it. They still have to ask the family and if my views ever change my family would know."

Another said she agreed to be a donor because to know that there would be someone better off with them (her organs) made her feel good.

An interesting exercise.

However, the most surprising thing that I learned was that organ donation is only possible when the donor is on a ventilator in an intensive care unit, usually with severe brain damage.

Thinking about it, though, it makes sense.

It's a subject that all families should sit down and talk about.

Wishing Jessica the best of luck.

Linda Hall is assistant editor of Hawke's Bay Today