Editor:
My husband died in Arizona on April 8 and I was able to fulfill his wish to be an organ/tissue donor.
My two granddaughters and I have just returned from Phoenix, where the Arizona Donor Network honoured David at their Annual Donor Family Gathering.
The day was so full of inspiring stories and gifts of life and gratitude from families and transplant recipients, it was truly a healing experience.
The Certificates of Recognition were all presented to the Donor Families by transplant recipients, living their second chance because of people like David.
In British Columbia, our transplant team have demographic, geographic and climatic challenges that Arizona does not have, but these challenges are nothing we, as a caring people, cannot overcome.
Each one of us can make a difference by talking to our family and making our wishes known.
When tragedy strikes, the decision to donate is so much easier and brings comfort that your wishes are being followed.
I know, it was the first thing I asked when told David had died, I so wanted to follow his wishes, I am so glad he made his wishes known.
In sharing my experience, I hope it will help families talk about the gift of life and decide to register as a whole family or at least know each others’ wishes, young and old.
Dave said “No one should have to wait in this day and age.”
I just read 45 people in BC died last year waiting for that phone call of a second chance, let’s work together for that number to be zero.
Linda Arnold
Quesnel