We sometimes get calls, usually in the middle of the night from companies that arrange air transportation for organ procurement teams, or for the donated organs, themselves.

I have a friend in NC that runs one of these companies and recently had the privilege to arrange a trip for him. We’ve known each other and worked together for many years, and it’s always a very quick and urgent process: “How soon can you get there?”

Most people don’t realize how vital the concept of organ donation is and how many people benefit from the process. There are over 100,000 patients on various transplant waiting lists in the US, a little over 25% of whom will be the recipient of a life-saving organ this year. Most are in need of a kidney, and this organ appears to be one of the easiest to transplant. Additionally, heart, lung, pancreas and liver transplants are needed somewhere every day. Sadly, in 2009, almost 7,000 individuals lost their battles while waiting and hoping that a life-saving organ would become available.

One recent flight was for a heart. We picked up the transplant team, flew them to the city where the donor was located, waited for them to complete the process, and flew them back to where the recipient was already being prepped for a life-saving operation.  Time is of the essence in these matters, and that’s why it is prudent to use a business jet to transport the team. Several other lives were also saved that night because someone decided to donate their organs to those in need.

Do you have a heart?    Really?   Take a quick look at your driver’s license. Does it have a heart on it? If so, you have already made a great decision to help those in need. However, if your license was issued before 2008, you might want to take an additional step to insure your wishes are fulfilled, and relieve a potential burden from your family. It seems our SC State Legislature made some changes to the laws that address these issues. The previous statutes spoke to your intent to donate organs, but there were problems with the process. The new laws allow you to directly consent to donate organs, thus removing any doubt of your intent and directly providing your consent.

Previously, there were over one million people on the donor rolls in SC, but that list was purged when the new laws took effect. The new list started at zero and is now up to about 600,000. We can do better, and there are several ways available to expedite the process.  Go to “Donate Life SC” http://www.donatelifesc.org/ and register to be an organ donor.  It’s quick and easy.

You can be a hero and save many lives in just a few moments . . .  Do you have the heart?

Steve Wiley