Beech Tree News Network

As Halloween approaches, people think of scary things like witches, spiders, and haunted houses, but what is actually scary is the fact that each day 22 children, men & women in America die needlessly.  As superhero capes are fitted, what Kentuckians don’t realize that everyone can be a superhero all year long, costume not necessary.  Simply by saying “yes” at your Circuit Clerk’s office and becoming a registered organ donor.

If you or someone you loved needed a lifesaving organ transplant, it would be terrifying to receive the news that you might have to wait 3-5 years for your gift of life.  Today 124,000 patients are on the national waiting list for their gift of life.  Patients like Morgan McCalvin from Morehead.  A brittle diabetic since she was 10, Morgan learned that a pancreas transplant is the only option to give her a second chance at life.  More registered donors are needed to give hope to patients, like Morgan.

We know Kentuckians are the most giving and courageous people of all, but urban legends and scary misconceptions about organ donation can deter some people from saying “yes” when they get their driver’s license.  So grab some candy and let’s clear the air:

Scary Myth #1: “If I’m a registered donor, will the hospital let me die?”

Fact: Absolutely NOT.  Medical care is always based what is best for you to preserve your life and improve your health.  Their sole focus is to save your life.  Also, hospital personnel do not have access to the confidential Kentucky Organ Donor Registry to know if you are registered or not.

Scary Myth #2: “Will my family be charged if I donate organs or tissue?”

Fact: No. Donation costs nothing to the donor’s family or estate.  100% of all donation-related expenses are absorbed by the Organ Procurement Organization.

Scary Myth #3:  “What if my religion objects to saving someone’s life through donation?”

Fact: Moral leaders all over the world favor donation as a generous act of charity and compassion.  Talk to your religious leader about the need for organ transplants and find out more about your religion’s views on helping others.

Scary Myth #4: “I can’t have an open casket funeral if I am a donor.”

Fact:  Donation does not limit the option of an open casket funeral.

Scary Myth #5: “No one wants my organs – I have medical issues like diabetes or cancer.”

Fact: Everyone is welcome to join the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry.  There are no limits!  Even people with a long medical history can save a life.  Simply say “yes” when you renew your license or ID at your Circuit Clerk’s Office or join online today www.donatelifeky.org.

Scary Myth #6: “I’m too old to be a registered donor.”

Fact:  No, you’re not!  The oldest organ donor in Kentucky was 84, and she saved 3 lives!  The oldest organ donor in America was 92.  Everyone can join the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry.  You’re never too old to make a difference.

“No one needs a costume to be a superhero to all those in need.  Every registered donor gives hope to the 1000 Kentuckians currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant.  Young people like Morgan with their whole life ahead of them,” says Butler Circuit Court Clerk, Melissa Cardwell.  “We shouldn’t be afraid to help others.  Our decision to register as a donor will help take away fear for those who are waiting & their families.  We don’t want a scary urban legend to cost someone their life, so let’s make sure to bust these scary myths in Butler County.”

To become a registered donor today, go online to www.donatelifeky.org or call 1-866-945-5433.  You can also say “yes” when you obtain your license or ID at your Circuit Clerk’s Office.

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Learn more about Morgan’s story on Facebook: An Organ For Morgan or on www.trustforlife.org.  If you or someone you know has been touched by this mission, you are invited to share your story online www.trustforlife.org.