Awareness Monday: Organ Donation

I’ve decided to write a weekly post about an issue that I feel is important for people to be aware of. Sure, it’s fun to write about the trivial experiences that I go through in my daily life, but there is so much out there that is important to me, and having the ability to write about it in a public forum is an opportunity that can’t be overlooked.

I’ve always been an advocate of organ donation, but it wasn’t until I started reading blogs about Cystic Fibrosis, and experiencing the loss of a young cousin, that really drove the point home for me.

I’ve never been directly affected by Cystic Fibrosis. In fact, I never really knew much about it. I fundraised for Shinerama during my Orientation Week at University, but any knowledge that I gained about the disease was quickly overshadowed by the new experiences that were unfolding in front of me. It wasn’t until I read a story about Natalia Ritchie in the Toronto Star that I realized just how serious CF is.

(I’m not going to try and explain Cystic Fibrosis, because I don’t have a real grasp of what it is. It’s not my place to describe something with which I don’t have any experience).

Natalia was writing a blog about the experience of having her daughter carried by a surrogate, being unable to carry a baby herself due to her illness. She didn’t, however, let her disease rule her life. It wasn’t until she was close to death that it seemed as though CF might win the fight. With her new daughter in her thoughts and her family surrounding her with unwavering support and faith, Natalia received a lung transplant.

One of the most admirable traits about Natalia was her refusal to hope or pray for lungs. She recognized that, in order for her to receive her transplant, someone would have to pay the ultimate sacrifice. Her humanity and compassion truly make her an inspiration.

The relief and happiness I felt after I found out that Natalia received her lungs showed me that I don’t have to be personally affected by anything to have it matter. That’s what makes it necessary to create awareness about topics that people may not consider. We have the ability to make changes in so many people’s lives, so long as we care enough to make it happen. We have that power.

Through Natalia’s blog I came across one written by Ronnie and Mandi Sharpe. They share their lives with their readers, allowing us into their love story and into their campaign for creating awareness of Cystic Fibrosis. Ronnie’s positive outlook on life and CF, Mandi’s support of her husband and their campaign, and their great personalities are motivating to enjoy life to its fullest, as well as showing us that true love isn’t just in movies and books. They’re an amazing couple.

As seen with Natalia’s story, those suffering from CF may one day require an organ donation. I’ve chosen to be an organ donor. The woman who saved Natalia chose to be an organ donor. And so did Christie Rose.

Two years ago, my second cousin, Christie, passed away from injuries suffered in a car accident. She was 18. She had her whole life ahead of her, a loving family, and a huge network of friends. I’d never been to a funeral like the one that was held for her, nor do I think I ever will be again. Her school auditorium was filled with friends and family, all devastated by their loss. Christie had such an impact on everyone who was lucky enough to be close to her. I wish I had the chance to experience her personality to the extent that was described in so many tributes to her.

Christie chose to be an organ donor, giving the ultimate gift to help those in need - an ideal that she advocated and followed in her own life. Her organs were donated to many people, one of whom happened to be a young mother. Because of Christie, that woman’s children will grow up knowing the grace of a mother’s love.

Organ donation is one of the most selfless acts a human being can be part of. If you aren’t one, please consider it. If you are, know that you may, one day, allow someone to live the life they’ve always dreamed of.