THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 28, 1995 TAG: 9510270027
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
A recent Ann Landers column addressed organ donation. I have a 12-week-old baby daughter who is in the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters waiting for a heart transplant. I never gave much thought to organ donation because the only publicity it seems to get is when it involves someone ``rich and famous.'' We hear very little about those who don't fall into that category.
Infants, children and teenagers are also in need of donor organs. Making the decision to be an organ donor is not an easy one. It is probably even more difficult for a parent to have to make such a decision after the loss of a child. I have great sympathy for anyone who has to go through such an ordeal.
It is not easy, either, for a parent to watch a child slowly die, or a spouse to watch a partner suffer when what they need to live is a new heart or kidney or even tissue and bone marrow.
Those who decide to be donors should let their family know. The decision can save someone's life and allow part of yourself to go on living. Most people who need organs didn't bring their sickness on themselves. My daughter just happened to be born with a rare heart condition. Now she lays helpless in a hospital crib with medicines and a ventilator keeping her alive. Her only hope is to get a heart soon!
I am grateful to all who have given and to all who will consider giving.
CINDY SPRUILL
Creswell, N.C., Oct. 14, 1995 by CNB