I got a new job! I did what I should have done a long time ago. I finally took the leap of faith and experienced the exhilaration of feeling free from all that’s been anchoring me down all these years. What a relief! I swear a few wrinkles magically disappeared the day I handed out my two-weeks’ notice to my manager 
Making the decision to leave a stable occupation at a prestigious institution wasn’t that problematic at all. The right opportunity came at the right time and I didn’t want to waste any minute second-guessing myself (of which I’m prone to do). I will surely miss some coworkers whom I have become friends with but I’m also looking forward to meeting new people and colleagues in an entirely fresh environment.
So, what’s the big deal about this job? Without disclosing any sensitive details, I am now working for a not-for-profit organ procurement organization. After years of providing care to palliative and oncology patients (mostly terminally ill) , I get to be a part of helping people get another lease in life by placing organs and tissues where they are most needed and appropriate. Death is not an event that people will celebrate but something good can still come out of it through organ and tissue donation.
I know there are so many myths, horror stories, urban legends and bad press about organ procurement and donation. There’s equally a lot of legitimate articles and websites out there that debunked these misinformation. I’m sure some people are turned off by the mere suggestion of donating and are even enraged by the sheer idea of having their loved one’s remains being “harvested”. But, after hearing successful and hopeful stories of people’s lives being extended and enhanced by this gift of life, how can I not be proud to be a part of it?
I am a registered organ donor and making that decision is pretty simple for me. It’s just the right thing to do. People might not pay attention to this issue until their own lives are affected by it. It’s easy to assume that doctors can treat whatever ails you but in some instances, an organ transplant might be the only way to get better. If no one donates, then thousands of people will never have a second chance at life. On the other hand, a vast majority of people have thought about it and are considering being a donor. They just have to stop procrastinating, take the next step and actually register to be one.
This blog post is not a paid commercial or ad of any sort. My goal is to reach out and encourage every person to register at their own state’s organ/tissue donor registry. It takes only a few minutes and very minimal commitment but what a significant action it is. You never know what the future brings. Just as you have the power to change some one’s life by donating life, you might find yourself or your loved one on the receiving end of that gift of life. Think about it.
To learn more and to register, here’s the link: Donate Life
