Are you an organ donor ?

[Jolie Rouge]

Organ donations fall short; financial incentives can help
Mon Jun 26, 7:21 AM ET

"Please help! My daddy needs a liver." A billboard with that stirring message greeted thousands of motorists recently on a busy Chicago expressway. It's one of many pleas from desperate families seeking organs for transplantation. Classified ads shout their need. So do Web pages.

In the more than 50 years since the first successful organ transplant, hundreds of thousands of patients have had their lives extended because of organ donations. Despite decades of campaigns to persuade Americans to donate organs after they die, however, the demand increasingly exceeds the supply. The waiting list for organs, mostly kidneys, has doubled over the past decade to more than 92,000 patients. Eighteen die daily before getting one.

The sad fact is that patients needing a transplant are more likely to die waiting than to receive organs. The wait in many locations is five years, and it could double by 2010.


It is a quiet crisis that argues for new approaches. Most options, though, are controversial.

Foremost among those are financial incentives for people to donate. The idea is an ethical minefield, conjuring visions of live donors who are young, healthy and poor serving as organ farms for those who are old, dying and rich, which is why people are barred from purchasing organs. But in a measure of how severe the shortage has become, the American Medical Association, which had long opposed payments to donors, now favors limited experimentation.

Several ideas are under consideration or already underway. Among them:

• Under a "futures" contract, the estate or family of an adult who agrees to donate organs might receive some financial remuneration, typically less than $10,000, for funeral and other expenses. Organs would go into the donor system, not be sold to individuals.

• LifeSharers is an existing network of 4,500 donors. Members agree to specify that when they die, priority in getting their organs should go to other members, also registered as donors.

• More controversial, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah and Wisconsin allow tax deductions of up to $10,000 to compensate living donors for travel, expenses or lost income. This is legal because the money comes from the state. It also requires screening for psychological fitness.


Certainly, everything possible should be done to spur voluntary contributions, but limited financial incentives are worth trying. They should be confined for now to post-mortem donations, and organs should be distributed as they are, based on medical need and time on the waiting list - not on ability to pay. (Transplant priority is decided by the United Network for Organ Sharing, a non-profit group that works with hospitals to coordinate transplants. Directed donations are allowed within certain limits.)

More than 6,000 patients die each year while on waiting lists. Demanding patience, when the price of delay is death, is no answer. It's time to try new ideas.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20060626/...nA2BHNlYwM3NDI-





Organs aren't commodities
By Charles B. Fruit
Mon Jun 26, 7:21 AM ET


Recently, a cartoon in a national magazine showed a middle-aged man standing behind a table on the sidewalk. Beneath the table was a large ice chest, and above it, hawking his wares, was a sign that read: "Lemonade and kidneys."

Unfortunately, this cartoon looms as a cautionary tale. That is why the National Kidney Foundation opposes any market-based incentives that financially reward donors or their families who offer life-saving organs. Even on a trial basis, introducing money into such a fragile human decision-making process would set a dangerous precedent. Once we start down the road of treating organs like commodities, there's no turning back.

This view was underscored in a recent report by the Institute of Medicine. It emphasized that financial incentives - such as direct payments, funeral expenses or charitable contributions - shouldn't be used to increase donation rates. Such incentives could move people to view organs as commodities, diminish altruistic donations and lead to the potential exploitation of lower income individuals.

Payment stands as an affront to those families that have already donated organs of loved ones out of charity. There is evidence to suggest it might prove similarly offensive to future donors. In 2005, the National Survey of Organ Donation found that 10.8% of those polled would be less likely to grant consent for the organs of a deceased family member to be used for transplant if they were offered payment; 68% said they would be neither more nor less likely to grant consent. Thus, there is little data to show that financial incentives would increase donation rates.

Rather than rely on incentives, we favor practical new policies to increase organ donation. For example, by working to implement best practices, the Department of Health and Human Services has helped to produce a steady increase in donation rates over the past 10 years - most effectively by making the option of donation available to families with loved ones who've suffered cardiac death who would not previously have been considered potential donors. As a result, many hospitals now have donation rates of 75%. HHS has announced a goal of doubling transplantation in a decade.

With this type of breakthrough, it should not be necessary to experiment with radical marketplace proposals.

Charles B. Fruit is chairman of the National Kidney Foundation.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20060626/...nA2BHNlYwM3NDI-


I am listed as an organ donor on my DL. To be exact it states "Take what you can use, I don't need it."

I donate blood regularly - being O- puts me in demand. This epidural thing may put me on the shelf for a while.... I have donated platlets as well. I have been tested as a possiable donor for a kidney, but didn't match the person I was asked by. Since they haven't ever called me, I guess no other matches have come up.

A friend's mother was the reciepient of a liver transplant. One of my nieces was the reciepient of a cadaver bone transplant. When Michael was two days old, I was told he might be considered as a canidant for a heart transplant - thankfully he never needed one

[dv8grl]

I never understood why people think its IMMORAL to sell body parts, if they are YOUR body parts, you should be able to sell them, along with blood & marrow, etc...
The hospitals, usually make a killing (no pun intended) on organ transplants, they never fail to charge the heck out of the person who is getting the organ.
Thats one reason I am not an organ donor, if I knew that the recipient wasn't going to have to pay for my organ than I would become a donor.

I used to yrs ago, sell my plasma., I probably still would if their was a place nearby.

[buttrfli]

I am an organ donor.

I don't care what kind of money hospitals make. God forbid any of my kids needed a transplant to save their life, I'd pay whatever I had to, to make that happen.

My DH is not an organ donor... he thinks that the hospital will kill him off just to get a kidney or something LOL

[Donnagg123]

I never understood why people think its IMMORAL to sell body parts, if they are YOUR body parts, you should be able to sell them, along with blood & marrow, etc...
The hospitals, usually make a killing (no pun intended) on organ transplants, they never fail to charge the heck out of the person who is getting the organ.
Thats one reason I am not an organ donor, if I knew that the recipient wasn't going to have to pay for my organ than I would become a donor.

I used to yrs ago, sell my plasma., I probably still would if their was a place nearby.

I think they believe it is immoral because it is like placing a monetary value on a human, and may encourage people to kill and blackmarket organs etc.

[BeanieLuvR]

I'm an organ donor. It is on my DL and I have told my husband and kids so they know. The way I look at it is I am not taking them with me where I am going so why not let someone on earth that needs them have them.

[Jolie Rouge]

I think they believe it is immoral because it is like placing a monetary value on a human, and may encourage people to kill and blackmarket organs etc.

There are already people who treat their children and spouses like property - can you imagine the chaos if they thought they could get $$$$$ for selling their body parts for ready cash ?

[dv8grl]

I think they believe it is immoral because it is like placing a monetary value on a human, and may encourage people to kill and blackmarket organs etc.

I understand your point, I've been to South & Central America where you see little kids running around with huge scars across their abdomen.

I'm saying if I have a perfectly good kidney, and I desperately need money, why can't I sell it. Not sell my husbands or my kids or my neighbors, MY KINDEY.

I always felt that death-row and in for life prisoners should HAVE to donate their organs to help pay off their "hotel" bill.

[Donnagg123]

I understand your point, I've been to South & Central America where you see little kids running around with huge scars across their abdomen.

I'm saying if I have a perfectly good kidney, and I desperately need money, why can't I sell it. Not sell my husbands or my kids or my neighbors, MY KINDEY.

I always felt that death-row and in for life prisoners should HAVE to donate their organs to help pay off their "hotel" bill.

Well it is like pandora's box. Once you open a door and say it is okay to do it whether it is your own or not you cannot automatically close it because you don't like what has happened.

As far as prisoners, that is okay that it is your opinion, but that would be unethical as well. It was like when they had mandatory sterilization for the mentally insane.

[dv8grl]

Well it is like pandora's box. Once you open a door and say it is okay to do it whether it is your own or not you cannot automatically close it because you don't like what has happened.

As far as prisoners, that is okay that it is your opinion, but that would be unethical as well. It was like when they had mandatory sterilization for the mentally insane.

I guess it all depends on your definition of UNETHICAL and your definition of MENTALLY INSANE.
:D

[TxGreek]

Are you an organ donor ?
yes
no
no committed


I want to answer the poll, but I'm not sure what the third option is.
Does that mean, No, I've been committed to an insane asylum and am ineligible for the donor program? Or, I've already committed to selling my organs on Ebay? Or....... ?

[Jolie Rouge]

basicly not committed to donating your organs or not committed to the idea of NOT donating your organs.

[YankeeMary]

No I am not an organ donor, nor would I ever be. My brother died at 21, he needed a liver transplant. The doctor looked us in the eyes and said Do you know how much that will cost. Needless to say Brady died, and an old woman (in her 70's) got the liver that could have saved my YOUNG brothers life. I would not and do not want my organs given to Joe Blow because he has more money then little Johnny. In Georgia, your DL cost $15.00 but if you are an organ donor they only cost $8.00...that is wrong its a form of bribery or something.
God Bless the people that do donate. But for me no thanks. I came with them, I think I shall part with them. Don't get me wrong, if I knew they would be used on the person that needed them the most, not the one with the most money, then I would give them all happily. Until then, thanks but no thanks.
Edited to add: I pay the $15.00 for my license. DH pays the $8.00 (he is really cheap...lol) says his living will and my power of attorney would over ride a cheaper DL.

[gothgirl]

I'm not an organ donor.

[tngirl]

I am thankful for the miracles of modern medicine, but, I do not believe in transplantation. I guess it has to do with the idea that someone had to die in order for another to live. I don't really know how to explain it where it would make sense. It is a personal choice that I made a very long time ago.

When my children were young, I would not have allowed them have a transplant, nor, would I have donated their organs...and the same still stands true with myself. They are now both over 18 and that choice is theirs to make....my son wants to be a donor and my daughter does not.

[freebielover]

Originally I planned on being an organ donor but once I saw that people who smoked were getting new lungs over other healthy people, alcoholics receiving new livers, and people serving life sentences getting organs before a good, free person? Screw that in my book, my organs will stay where they are.

[Kyla Kym]

My DH is not an organ donor... he thinks that the hospital will kill him off just to get a kidney or something LOL
LOL, I worry about that too! Or if I was in a wreck the EMT might have someone that needed a organ and would kill me off for it. And that would be about my luck too :rolleyes: I could just see it now...a bunch of EMT's standing around me poking me with sticks untill I finish dieing. :p Just kidding....but still, just the same I'm not a donor on the back of my license. I did tell hubby though if it's within his power to donate any part of me that could help save another human being. Or even my eye. I have perfect vision in one and and better than perfect in the other. It would be a shame for them to go to waste when there are people out there that could see again with them. :)

[june72]

No......but I told hubby that when I was gone he could do whatever he wanted with me.......I won't know :)

[Kyla Kym]

No......but I told hubby that when I was gone he could do whatever he wanted with me.......I won't know :)
If I said that to my hubby, I would probably end up stuff and mounted in the corner somewhere being used as a gun rack. :rolleyes:

[buttrfli]

LOL, I worry about that too! Or if I was in a wreck the EMT might have someone that needed a organ and would kill me off for it. And that would be about my luck too :rolleyes: I could just see it now...a bunch of EMT's standing around me poking me with sticks untill I finish dieing. :p


Thats EXACTLY how he feels LMAO ... hes afraid if something happens to him and hes passed out or in some type of coma, that they will just kill him off cuz they know someone who needs his organs LMAO

[DAVESBABYDOLL]

Yes, I am a donor. If I can help someone after I am gone...that's a great thing :)

[tsquared]

I am a donor and when mom passed away in her accident in Jan i had her organs donated...........was not able to have a viewing cause they too bone matter, bone tissue, eyes, and nothing left to hold up the extremities, but never had a second thought when they told me she would be helping 30 to 150 people..........I figure that is what it is all about..........people helping people

[Jolie Rouge]

I plan on being cremated anyway - and have left standing orders against an open casket in any case.

[DAVESBABYDOLL]

I am a donor and when mom passed away in her accident in Jan i had her organs donated...........was not able to have a viewing cause they too bone matter, bone tissue, eyes, and nothing left to hold up the extremities, but never had a second thought when they told me she would be helping 30 to 150 people..........I figure that is what it is all about..........people helping people

I'll be the same way,but I have thought about leaving my body for Anatomy at a university for medical students.

[Blackerose]

I was an RN for over 15 years and I am not an organ donor. The hospitals and doctors do make a lot of money off of them. Rules are bent for the rich and famous all the time. For example, Pat Summeral, football commentator and an alcoholic came from TX where he could not get a liver to the Mayo Clinic here in Jacksonville, FL. He got a liver in 8 days and was 72 years old. A lady I met locally on freecycle was taken off the transplant list once she turned 63 because of her age. She was a former nurse who picked up Hep C. According to the protocol here. alcoholics and drug addicts do not get organs unless they have been clean for over a year. She only had her Medicare, Pat Summerall paid in cash for his surgery. It is rare to see someone on Medicaid get an organ transplant.

[Jolie Rouge]

Gift of life
Mon Jul 9, 12:20 AM ET

It is easy to be moved by the story of Everson Walls and Ron Springs. The two friends and former Dallas Cowboys teammates have shared many things, most recently a kidney, which Walls gave to Springs.


Their story, chronicled last week in USA TODAY http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-07-05-springs-cover_N.htm , is one of friendship and selflessness. Springs, a type 2 diabetic, had been suffering, and waiting, for years before his old friend realized he had the same blood type and was a suitable donor.


But beyond their story is the sobering reality that many others don't have such happy endings. The waiting lists for donations of kidneys and other vital organs are growing each year. On any given day, 77 people receive transplants of one kind or another but 19 die waiting, according to OrganDonor.gov. The current waiting list is about 97,000.


Part of the solution is what Springs and Walls have been doing since their operations — promoting better awareness. The two have created an organization, called the Gift for Life Foundation, to help spread the word of the need for organ donations to those resistant to the idea or who are simply uninformed.


But the long waiting lists suggest something more is needed. While an open market for organs carries too many risks, some ideas to provide more than just encouraging words for donors are worth a look.


One is to allow for some compensation to estates to pay for funeral expenses for those who opt — typically through their state's driver's licensing agency — to be organ donors in the event of a sudden death. Another idea is to give some priority to those patients who have agreed to be donors should they need a transplant themselves.


Encouraging live organ transplants, like Walls' gift to Springs, is more of an ethical minefield. No one should be financially encouraged to give up a kidney. Some among the young, healthy and poor would ruin their lives to collect bribes from the old, sick and rich. But some reimbursement for expense or lost income might well be appropriate. A similar principle is applied in adoptions. State laws ensure that any woman who decides to place her child for adoption can have her health care and counseling costs, legal representation and, in some cases, other expenses picked up by the adoptive parents, either directly or through an agency.


It's inspiring to read stories such as those of Walls and Springs. But it would be better if stories like these were so routine that they wouldn't merit much attention.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20070709/cm_usatoday/giftoflife;_ylt=Aiz8ZghSFDJ5sgUjunt0EROs0NUE

[dcut4]

Yes I am one. Have been since I was 18 and am also on the national bone marrow list.

I am sure there some instances of crookedness(is that a word) in the organ donor program, just like any other aspects of life but all in all I think it is a great program. If in my death I can let a mother spend another day with her child that would have died, or let a man see the face of his first born child, I say take what you want and burn up whats left over.

[Lasher]

My DH is not an organ donor... he thinks that the hospital will kill him off just to get a kidney or something LOL

That's what my Dad thinks, lol

I'm a donor, and I donate platelets every two weeks at the local blood center.

[Angelseyes28]

A friend of mine in school had to have a heart transplant when she was 17 years old. From then on, I knew I would be an organ donor.
Thanks to that donor and their family, she's now watching her teenage daughter grow up.

[YankeeMary]

Well it is like pandora's box. Once you open a door and say it is okay to do it whether it is your own or not you cannot automatically close it because you don't like what has happened.

As far as prisoners, that is okay that it is your opinion, but that would be unethical as well. It was like when they had mandatory sterilization for the mentally insane.

It should still be this way today...sorry but with the Andrea Yates' running around today, it should be a necessity. We are raising our granddaughter because her parents both suffer a mental illness.

[ahippiechic]

I'm an organ donor also. I'm not going to need them after I'm dead, and I wouldn't want to think that someone may die, because I wouldn't give them an organ and let it rot in the ground instead.

[WVCindy]

Yes I am a donor......Yes YankeeMary's brother was mine also....we have ALOT of different views:argue .....All I can remember is standing at a huge window watching helicopters coming in hopes of a liver and watching my baby brother suffer a horrible death. I want every part of me used....maybe the ones that can't afford it may by the grace of God receive them. I love you Brady and miss you everyday:cry

[YankeeMary]

Yes I am a donor......Yes YankeeMary's brother was mine also....we have ALOT of different views:argue .....All I can remember is standing at a huge window watching helicopters coming in hopes of a liver and watching my baby brother suffer a horrible death. I want every part of me used....maybe the ones that can't afford it may by the grace of God receive them. I love you Brady and miss you everyday:cry

I remember the same window as well as that ass of a doctor saying "do you know how much a liver transplant will cost?" Then telling us Brady wasn't going to get one. :pray :pray :pray :sob :sob :motz: :motz: :bawling: :bawling: :bawling: :goodnight:

[Shann]

I'm an organ donor also. I'm not going to need them after I'm dead, and I wouldn't want to think that someone may die, because I wouldn't give them an organ and let it rot in the ground instead.

this is how I feel as well. I agree, anyone who abuses drugs or alcohol SHOULD NOT be allowed to be on the list. They chose that route and anyone that says they didn't know drugs or alcohol was messing up their body needs this: :slap of course if they've been clean for x amt of years, then they should be allowed. money shouldn't be an issue.

[tsquared]

Yippers i am a donor and had about 5 minutes to make up my mind if i wanted to donate moms organs when she died.............decided brother would live with the decision i made whether he liked it or not...........

[pepperpot]

I was the 'spokes person' when my Mom died. When asked about organs, I said ok, I felt my Mom would want some part of her to help others. When I passed this by my siblings (yes Tom, they put you 'on the spot' with this - they don't have a choice) they were 'fine' with it. When I mentioned that someone asked me to my Dad, before I could respond with my reply he said, "No, I don't want her cut up. I want her intact." I never 'corrected' his wishes as I don't think anything was used anyway (she was ill and had lots of medical issues). But I would've liked to see some part of my Mom live on, especially if it were for a child, she loved children.

[LuvBigRip]

I have been a donor since I got my first drivers license mumble mumble years ago. I had to remove myself for a few years due to cancer, but am happily back on. I was also allowed to give blood within the last few years and do so on a regular basis. the blood bank calls every 8 weeks and 1 day due to my blood type.

[PrincessArky]

I never understood why people think its IMMORAL to sell body parts, if they are YOUR body parts, you should be able to sell them, along with blood & marrow, etc...
The hospitals, usually make a killing (no pun intended) on organ transplants, they never fail to charge the heck out of the person who is getting the organ.
Thats one reason I am not an organ donor, if I knew that the recipient wasn't going to have to pay for my organ than I would become a donor.

I used to yrs ago, sell my plasma., I probably still would if their was a place nearby.

I used to sell my plasma too but its an hour away and with the price of gas just doesnt pay me enough anymore :( They make a fortune off plasma when they sell it to the hospitals

and yep I am an organ donor have been for years

[tigger4]

I was an organ donor until I found out that in my state they can willy nilly take your organs and do what they want to with them. They were selling peoples brains for research and got sued.

[Katt]

I am..or will be if able.

I actually got to do my first LifeShare referral on the 13th. That's our organ donation/retrieval organization. It was horrible asking the family all the questions, but I know it has to be done. They refused. (both cases I had to call on that night..it was actually my first death as a new nurse..and it happened twice. UGH)

We donated my dad's tissue when he passed. The hospital waited too long to let him go, and the cardiogenic shock ended up claiming his vital organs, so they were wasted, but they were able to take skin and bone.

We have the yearly appreciation banquet to go to in Aug. for the families of donors.

[ahippiechic]

I have been a donor since I got my first drivers license mumble mumble years ago. I had to remove myself for a few years due to cancer, but am happily back on. I was also allowed to give blood within the last few years and do so on a regular basis. the blood bank calls every 8 weeks and 1 day due to my blood type.

I'll be glad when I can donate again too!

[Jolie Rouge]

New Jersey to require organ donation decision
By TOM HESTER Jr., Associated Press Writer
Wed Jul 23, 6:41 AM ET

TRENTON, N.J. - In five years, New Jersey residents seeking driver's licenses will have to decide whether they want to become organ donors under a new first-of-its kind law.

The names of residents who want to be organ donors will be maintained in a state registry, while those who decide against organ donation will have to acknowledge reviewing information about it. "Ultimately, we want to move this important conversation out of the emergency room, where illness and injury already create a profound burden, and into the living room, where a thoughtful and deliberate decision can be reached without the pain of loss looming on the horizon," said Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey, who signed the bill into law Tuesday. Codey was filling in for Gov. Jon S. Corzine, who was in Israel.

Howard M. Nathan, president and CEO of the Gift of Life Donor Program, has said New Jersey would be the first state to impose such requirements.

The state has five years to get the program up and running. People who currently have licenses won't have to make their decision until they apply for a renewal. Individuals who aren't ready to decide may designate a decision-maker on their behalf.

The law, known as the New Jersey Hero Act, also makes the state the first to incorporate mandatory organ donation education into the high school curriculum, beginning with the 2009-10 school year.

At the collegiate level, institutions of higher education will be required to provide information on New Jersey's organ donor policies through student health services.

"We're raising the dialogue about organ donation and ensuring that New Jerseyans talk to their loved ones about the possibility of becoming a donor," said Sen. Joseph Vitale, a bill sponsor.

Cathleen Lewis, spokeswoman for the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, said about 1.75 million New Jersey residents have checked the organ donation box when applying for either a license or an identification card. That's 24.5 percent of the state's licenses and ID cards.

About 99,000 people in the United States await organ donations, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing, including 3,050 in New Jersey.

Since 1995, more than 85,000 Americans have died waiting for an organ, including nearly 1,900 New Jerseyans, according to the network.

A recent national report card prepared by the educational group Donate Life America shows a 10 percent increase in donor designations over the last 18 months, bringing the total number of registered donors in the United States to nearly 70 million.

According to the group, 35 percent of licensed drivers and ID card holders have committed themselves to donation through a state registry or motor vehicle department.

"By increasing outreach and education, all New Jerseyans will be able to make better-informed decisions regarding organ and tissue donation," Assemblyman John F. McKeon said. "Ensuring every resident knows the vital importance of organ donation will make it easier for many more people to take the simple but truly heroic step that can help save a life."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080723/ap_on_re_us/organ_donation;_ylt=AnZnqc3lHK2w8o2rL2LKqFwXIr0F

On the Net:

United Network for Organ Sharing: http://www.unos.org

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission: http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/

[PrincessArky]

TRENTON, N.J. - In five years, New Jersey residents seeking driver's licenses will have to decide whether they want to become organ donors


they already do that in Arkansas they have for several years.......I personally like the idea because it is now on my license rather than just my organ donor card that way hopefully they wont miss it

[LuvBigRip]

Wow, I thought all states did this. Every single one I have had a license in does.

[ahippiechic]

Yeah, I thought they all did it too.

[Vee030473]

Yea I thought all states did it too. The Army added it to military IDs a few years back,a wee little heart next to my signature.

[buglebe]

I never understood why people think its IMMORAL to sell body parts, if they are YOUR body parts, you should be able to sell them, along with blood & marrow, etc...
The hospitals, usually make a killing (no pun intended) on organ transplants, they never fail to charge the heck out of the person who is getting the organ.
Thats one reason I am not an organ donor, if I knew that the recipient wasn't going to have to pay for my organ than I would become a donor.

I used to yrs ago, sell my plasma., I probably still would if their was a place nearby.

The reason I think it is immoral to SELL body parts is because poor people would sell their body parts for money for their families and rich people who already have everything would buy body parts!

[buglebe]

I was an RN for over 15 years and I am not an organ donor. The hospitals and doctors do make a lot of money off of them. Rules are bent for the rich and famous all the time. For example, Pat Summeral, football commentator and an alcoholic came from TX where he could not get a liver to the Mayo Clinic here in Jacksonville, FL. He got a liver in 8 days and was 72 years old. A lady I met locally on freecycle was taken off the transplant list once she turned 63 because of her age. She was a former nurse who picked up Hep C. According to the protocol here. alcoholics and drug addicts do not get organs unless they have been clean for over a year. She only had her Medicare, Pat Summerall paid in cash for his surgery. It is rare to see someone on Medicaid get an organ transplant.

This does happen and it is sad that the system is abused but in everything rules are broken, but there are still a lot of good people who live because of this. I would rather see a 72 yr old live than no one even if he did break in line. Yes I am an organ donor and have been for yrs. I am an RN too and that is one of the hardest things to ask a family so it is so good when the person has already decided and has it on their drivers license. Then the family doesn't have the problem of being surprised or having to decide.

[Jolie Rouge]

Anyone want to add a vote ?