posted May 19, 2008
Re: Roy Exum: About Your Spare Parts
Thank you for your column on organ donation. I have recently been the recipient of two organs, a kidney donated from my loving sister in November 2006 and a pancreas donated from a stranger last December. These people have truly changed my life.
I was facing months or years on dialysis if my sister had not been a match and willing to donate her kidney. Then, a year later, I received a pancreas from someone unknown to me yet more special than I could ever imagine. This special person had made the decision to be an organ donor and that decision freed me from daily insulin injections required due to living with diabetes for 30 years. This pancreas will help prolong the life of the kidney my sister gave me and allow me to live a much more normal life and see my kids grow up.
People need to take the time to make this decision and tell their loved ones how they feel. Many times when faced with the decision of organ donation, loved ones cannot make an informed decision at such a time of loss and sorrow.
I'm glad to know that Tennessee has a registry and encourage everyone to make the decision to donate life then discuss it with their family and tell others how to register as well.
Chuck Clevenger
Chattanooga
c.clevenger@comcast.net
| Dining Out | Business | Movies | Focus | About Us |
| Church | Living Well | Memories | Outdoors | Real Estate | Student Scene | Travel |