Marking the beginning of National Donate Life Month, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias unveiled the state’s annual organ and tissue donor ad campaign, which encourages Illinoisans to sign up for the donor registry.
“More than 4,000 Illinois residents are currently waiting for a transplant, including many whose lives depend on the availability of a suitable organ,” Giannoulias said. “The month of April presents an opportunity to highlight how someone’s decision to take a moment to sign up will tangibly save lives and why it’s so important to encourage more people to register as donors.”
The campaign features a public service announcement (PSA) that urges Illinoisans to enroll in the Secretary of State’s Organ and Tissue Donor Registry by showcasing Tonisha Daniel of south suburban Dolton, who received a lifesaving liver transplant after waiting over a year.
Television and social media ads will run statewide throughout the month. The PSA features the song “The Scientist” by Coldplay.
Currently, 6.5 million Illinoisans are registered with the state’s donor registry. Approximately 4,000 people are on the transplant waiting list. Of those individuals, about 300 die waiting for a transplant every year. A single donor can save or improve the lives of up to 25 people.
To become a donor, Illinoisans can register with the Secretary of State’s Organ and Tissue Donor Registry by visiting www.LifeGoesOn.com, calling 800-210-2106 or signing up at a DMV facility. The entire process takes less than five minutes.
Donate Life Illinois partners include Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Eversight, Mid-America Transplant Services and the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois.
I am not a donor. Why?
-conversations with funeral home directors about what they see.
-the adoption of “brain death” as the standard, not respiratory/cardiac failure. My church actually has a testimony of faith about this.
-the lack of transparency about the entire business line of organ harvesting and “planting.”
I’m sure this will be unpopular but these are deeply held personal beliefs.
Somewhat related to organ donation–A long time ago a co-worker said he wasn’t participating in the work blood drive because his culture didn’t believe in donating blood. I said, ’so you would refuse a blood transfusion in the ER, I guess?’ He gave me a confused look and said ‘why would I refuse a blood transfusion?’
I understand being afraid of needles etc., but why would you claim a philosophical objection to helping with something you would willingly choose to benefit from?
=== conversations with funeral home directors about what they see ===
I am not sure what that might have to do with anything, given that I will be dead. For example, my father-in-law had terrible organs, but great skin (and a lot of it). He donated and his skin was used to help lots of burn victims and injury victims recover. I can only guess the morgue packaged the rest, the funeral home cremated the remains, and his children felt good knowing the ole man gave the gift of a good life.
Let them funeral homes people see what they see, and burn the rest.
== Sounds like you’ve been brainwashed or have gone done a conspiracy laden internet rabbit hole. ==
The person was asked why? by Rich. The person explained their beliefs. I don’t think thiat you should attack them for their beliefs. But at least you did it in a way that used all of your limited intelligence. Congratulations.
I could explain my deeply held belief that my neighbor’s dog ordered me not to be a donor, it wouldn’t make it any less ridiculous. Those who are eligible to donate and refuse to are selfish or ignorant, there are no valid objections.
Whether an attendee of synagogue, church, mosque, or temple, it seems like this country should be a safe place to have a religious conviction. Especially a conviction related to something so fundamental.
Not everyone agrees with these life and death concepts due to their beliefs, traditions, cultures, personal truths, etc.
Maybe all the negative voices above could reconsider. We have many new cultures joining this society and not all are liberals.
- Flyin'Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Monday, Apr 1, 24 @ 12:04 pm:
Told my wife years ago, let them part me out like a ‘78 Oldsmobile.
Pretty sure my brother and his wife aren’t. I’d ask why, but afraid of the Fox News response I’d get.
- 40,000 ft - Monday, Apr 1, 24 @ 12:12 pm:
I am not a donor. Why?
-conversations with funeral home directors about what they see.
-the adoption of “brain death” as the standard, not respiratory/cardiac failure. My church actually has a testimony of faith about this.
-the lack of transparency about the entire business line of organ harvesting and “planting.”
I’m sure this will be unpopular but these are deeply held personal beliefs.
- Proud Papa Bear - Monday, Apr 1, 24 @ 12:17 pm:
I was until I was diagnosed with leukemia. My doctor said I can’t be on the registry anymore.
- Leslie K - Monday, Apr 1, 24 @ 12:22 pm:
Somewhat related to organ donation–A long time ago a co-worker said he wasn’t participating in the work blood drive because his culture didn’t believe in donating blood. I said, ’so you would refuse a blood transfusion in the ER, I guess?’ He gave me a confused look and said ‘why would I refuse a blood transfusion?’
I understand being afraid of needles etc., but why would you claim a philosophical objection to helping with something you would willingly choose to benefit from?
- H-W - Monday, Apr 1, 24 @ 1:08 pm:
@ 40,000 ft.
=== conversations with funeral home directors about what they see ===
I am not sure what that might have to do with anything, given that I will be dead. For example, my father-in-law had terrible organs, but great skin (and a lot of it). He donated and his skin was used to help lots of burn victims and injury victims recover. I can only guess the morgue packaged the rest, the funeral home cremated the remains, and his children felt good knowing the ole man gave the gift of a good life.
Let them funeral homes people see what they see, and burn the rest.
- Demoralized - Monday, Apr 1, 24 @ 1:28 pm:
==I am not a donor.==
Sounds like you’ve been brainwashed or have gone done a conspiracy laden internet rabbit hole.
- Hannibal Lecter - Monday, Apr 1, 24 @ 1:35 pm:
Of course I am. If I die, you might as well let someone else use whatever good organs I had left.
- Amalia - Monday, Apr 1, 24 @ 2:10 pm:
someone I know who had cancer thinks they cannot be a donor. another friend is very afraid of bad medical outcomes.
- Dotnonymous x - Monday, Apr 1, 24 @ 2:26 pm:
Use me up…till there’s nothing left but a memory.
- Lurker - Monday, Apr 1, 24 @ 2:46 pm:
== Sounds like you’ve been brainwashed or have gone done a conspiracy laden internet rabbit hole. ==
The person was asked why? by Rich. The person explained their beliefs. I don’t think thiat you should attack them for their beliefs. But at least you did it in a way that used all of your limited intelligence. Congratulations.
- Leslie K - Monday, Apr 1, 24 @ 2:50 pm:
===I’m sure this will be unpopular but these are deeply held personal beliefs===
A fear or paranoia is not a necessarily a belief. But I feel for you in that. A few thoughts:
Relying on cardiac arrest severely limits the time available to recover an organ
What do you say the funeral home directors are seeing?
I can’t really comment on the organ harvesting/planting comment because I can’t even begin to imagine what you are trying to say.
- Demoralized - Monday, Apr 1, 24 @ 3:32 pm:
==The person explained their beliefs.==
And I pointed out the ridiculousness of their comments. I couldn’t care less what your thoughts are.
- Dotnonymous x - Monday, Apr 1, 24 @ 5:25 pm:
- If I die, you might as well… -
That “If” is a “When”.
- Excitable Boy - Monday, Apr 1, 24 @ 5:47 pm:
- The person explained their beliefs. -
I could explain my deeply held belief that my neighbor’s dog ordered me not to be a donor, it wouldn’t make it any less ridiculous. Those who are eligible to donate and refuse to are selfish or ignorant, there are no valid objections.
- 40,000 ft - Monday, Apr 1, 24 @ 9:24 pm:
rough crowd
Whether an attendee of synagogue, church, mosque, or temple, it seems like this country should be a safe place to have a religious conviction. Especially a conviction related to something so fundamental.
Not everyone agrees with these life and death concepts due to their beliefs, traditions, cultures, personal truths, etc.
Maybe all the negative voices above could reconsider. We have many new cultures joining this society and not all are liberals.