Choosing to be an organ donor is a decision that holds profound significance — not only for those who make the choice but also for the countless lives it has the potential to save. In my work at We Are Sharing Hope SC, I am constantly reminded of the transformative power that lies in the simple act of saying “yes” to organ donation.
Every 11 minutes, another individual is added to the national organ transplant waiting list. This growing list, which includes more than 113,000 people in the United States and more than 1,800 in South Carolina alone, underscores the critical need for more organ donors. Tragically, 17 lives are lost each day due to the lack of available organs for transplantation — a stark reality that highlights the life-saving potential that each registered donor holds.
One of the most empowering aspects of being an organ donor in South Carolina is our state’s firm commitment to first-person authorization. This means that when you decide to become an organ donor, your choice is solely yours. It is a guarantee that respects and upholds the rights of the individual to make this decision, ensuring that no one can take this choice away from you after you die.
This policy of first-person authorization is a testament to the respect and dignity we afford to every donor’s decision. By simply following a donor’s wishes, it eliminates any ambiguity or conflict that could arise at a critical and highly emotional time, ensuring that your intent to save lives through organ donation is honored — without question. This legal guarantee not only reinforces the importance of personal choice but also instills a sense of confidence and peace of mind for donors and their families.
Moreover, understanding that your decision will be upheld can encourage more people to register as organ donors. It reassures potential donors that their altruistic choice will be protected and valued, ultimately leading to a legacy for the donor and an increase in the number of lives saved through organ donation.
The scope of organ and tissue donation is vast. The transplantable organs include the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, small intestines and pancreas. Beyond organs, donated tissues such as skin, bone and heart valves can dramatically enhance the quality of life for recipients and even save lives. For example, one tissue donor can restore health and heal the lives of more than 75 people.
In South Carolina, we alone have the choice to make a profound difference. By choosing to register as an organ donor, you join a community of individuals committed to giving the gift of life. This decision matters — not only to those on the waiting list, but also to their families and communities. It is a choice that embodies compassion, generosity and hope.
Let us embrace the power we hold in our hands to save lives and restore health. By saying “yes” to organ donation, you are making a promise that cannot be broken, a commitment that will be honored, and a legacy that will be remembered.
Kim Zaruca is the chief donation officer of We Are Sharing Hope SC.
link