Organ Donation

Why it matters to us?IMG_20140103_122531

In July of 2013 our sponsor, teammate, and friend Nate Dunn received a life-saving live-donor liver transplant.  He written about his experiences here.

While Nate was fortunate to have a former student as a living-donor,  the reality is that many in California and around the country die while waiting for an organ transplant.  Registering as an organ donor and making that decision clearly known to your family is a simple process that has life-saving outcomes.

Promoting organ donation is something we’re proud about as a team as you can see by our decision to sport the pink “Donor” dot on our sleeves.  All of our team members are registered organ donors and look forward to talking about that decision with each person we come across on the bike.  If you’re interested in becoming a registered organ donor please visit the link below.

Fast Facts about Organ Donation | courtesy of donatelifecalifornia.org

  • When you are admitted to the hospital the number one priority is to save your life. Two doctors not involved in organ and tissue donation must declare you brain dead before organ and tissue donation can be considered.
  • Organs are allocated according to medical need, blood and tissue type, height and weight. Celebrity status and wealth are not considered.
  • One person can save eight lives and enhance 50 others through organ and tissue donation.
  • It is against federal law to sell organs and tissues.
  • Anybody over the age of 13 can sign up on the Donate Life California Registry. Families of registered donors under the age of 18 must still consent to donation before it can be carried out.
  • An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. The body is treated with dignity, care and respect throughout the entire donation process.
  • There is no cost to the donor or their family.
  • More than 118,000 Americans are currently waiting for an organ transplant. It is their only remaining medical option.

See more at http://donatelifecalifornia.org/education/faqs/fast-facts-about-organ-donation/#sthash.YsZsMosc.dpuf