Saskatchewan people have a new and innovative way to let their families and friends know they want to be an organ donor. The provincial government is following through on a commitment to raise the profile of organ donation by launching a province-wide awareness campaign.
The campaign features former Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock, Roughrider great Don Narcisse, actress Amy Matysio and musician Earl Pereira. It includes a website, www.isanorgandonor.com, which allows people to customize their Facebook profile picture with an organ donor badge, so their families and friends know they support organ donation.
"We can do more to help Saskatchewan people who are waiting for a suitable donor and a transplant," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "All it takes is letting your family and friends know your beliefs and wishes about organ donation. The high profile, successful Saskatchewan role models involved in our campaign recognize that one simple act could make a huge difference in the lives of patients and families."
Organ and tissue donation has touched many people in Saskatchewan who have lived with end stage organ disease or suffered injury from trauma, burns, bone damage, or cornea damage leading to vision loss. Research proves that family members are more likely to consent to organ donation if they know their deceased family member wished to donate.
"Good health is an astonishing gift," Haverstock said. "To be in a position to give it to someone who has been suffering is perhaps the most lasting and meaningful contribution one can make."
"I decided to be an organ and tissue donor because I understand the importance of giving back," Narcisse said. "Giving has been the happiness of my life. If you can save a life, do it."
About 180 Saskatchewan people are currently waiting for an organ or tissue donation to enable them to have a transplant. More than 600 organ transplant recipients are currently living in Saskatchewan.
Shammi Rathwell received a heart transplant from a deceased donor in 2001.
"This transplant gave me back my life," Rathwell said. "I cannot express the gratitude my family and I feel for the years I've been given and the experiences we've had together - all because someone cared and believed in organ donation."
"It only takes one person to improve the lives of more than 50 people through organ and tissue donation," Saskatoon Health Region Director of Renal Services Diane Shendruk said. "Each one of us has the power to make a huge difference in someone's life."
April is Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Month in Saskatchewan. More information about organ and tissue donation is available at www.health.gov.sk.ca/organ-and-tissue or www.isanorgandonor.com.
