Did you know that one organ donor can save up to eight lives?
Manitoba’s online organ and tissue donor registry, SignUpForLife.ca, celebrated its second anniversary and Health Minister Erin Selby encourages Manitobans to consider joining the 9,751 people who’ve committed to donate.
“We all have the ability to save a life by signing up for an organ or tissue donation. I’ve signed up and have encouraged my family, friends and colleagues to do the same. Today, I urge all Manitobans to take the time to think about organ and tissue donation and become someone’s hero,” said Selby.
The need for donors is great, with over 200 people on the waitlist for kidney transplants alone. However, just one organ donor can save up to eight lives and dramatically change many more with the addition of tissue donation.
“We are happy with the progress we’ve made with the site so far but we need more donors,” said Dr. Faisal Siddiqui, an organ donation physician with Transplant Manitoba’s Gift of Life program. “When you think about it, more people take in a Jets game on a single night than have signed up to be organ and tissue donors. The more people who sign up, the more lives we can save.”
“I think about my donor every single day, and live my life forever grateful for his or her kindness and generosity. If you have signed up – thank you,” said Kristin Millar, a heart recipient.
The registry website also offers the option for sharing donation decisions using Facebook, Twitter or email to help encourage friends and family to register as well.
“We encourage everyone to visit the registry and consider signing up,” said Arlene Wilgosh, President and Chief Executive Officer, WRHA. “Discuss your donation decision with your loved ones so they are aware of your wishes and they can consider registering themselves as well.”
The province also reminded Manitobans that they can be a living kidney donor for a loved one, or even anonymously. With the spirit of giving that Manitoba is known for, Ian Goodall-George chose to donate his kidney anonymously last year.
“My decision to donate a kidney was simple – what decision could be easier than doing something to help someone else,” said Goodall-George. “I thought a lot about donating a kidney and have not regretted my decision to do it for a second. To know that through one small act of giving I was able to help many others improve their quality of life is a feeling like no other in the world.”
SignUpForLife.ca also allows individuals to register their preference for donating their body and organs for scientific research and medical education. Manitobans continue to have the option of signing their Manitoba Health cards. For more information, or to register your intent to make an organ and tissue donation, visit www.signupforlife.ca.
