Sex and Tampa Bay

16 people each day die waiting for an organ transplant.

Luckily, the Mayor of Seminole wasn’t one of them. 

But think about it- 16 people will die today waiting for a transplant. It’s a number that is shocking because everyone knows about organ donation. Still, most people don’t take the time to make their wishes knows. It’s especially important that people our age have a donation plan in place, because we are more likely to have healthy and usable organs than older people.

Yes, it isn’t fun to talk about. But it isn’t hard either. Register as an organ donor by completing this form. Then, talk about your decision with your family. Make it clear that this is something you want. When the time comes it is your family (parents or spouse) who will be making this decision.

For those who want to do something to help before you die, there is always live donation. Not ready to part with that kidney? How about giving something that will grow back? Like bone marrow. It is amazingly easy to become a bone marrow donor. You don’t even need to take a blood test! Just order a kit from the National Marrow Donor Program and follow the direction. It’s just a few cheek swabs. Then you’ll be on the registry to save a life.

It’s so easy to make a big impact. Donate blood, get on the marrow registry, and make your organ donation wishes known. Those three things can mean the difference between life and death for someone.