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Southlake hopes to register 500 new organ donors

June 1, 2013   ·   0 Comments

For Southlake Regional Health Centre staff member Marilyn Bruzzese, the decision to donate one of her kidneys began as a pledge of friendship and ultimately, dramatically improved the life of her longtime friend. Knowing first-hand the value of donation, Bruzzese, along with members of Southlake’s organ and tissue donation committee, will host a Gift of 8 Organ and Tissue Donation Workplace Registration Drive.

An initiative of the Trillium Gift of Life Network, the Gift of 8 Movement, aptly named because one organ donor can save up to 8 lives, is aimed at increasing the number of organ and tissue donors in the province. The online and in-hospital registration drive will take place between May 27 and June 1, with hopes to register 500 staff, patients, visitors, and community members as new donors.

For Bruzzese, there is no question as to the importance of organ donation. After watching her friend rely on dialysis, Bruzzese underwent testing to see if she could be a living donor. Once she understood that the potential risk and side effects were minimal, her decision to donate was an instinctive yes.

Bruzzese underwent laparoscopic surgery to remove her left kidney, which left her with only a few small scars. After a five-day stay in the hospital, she was back at home with minimal side effects and recovered within the next two to three weeks. Her friend’s condition improved dramatically after surgery. Not only does she no longer have to undergo dialysis, she is also free to live a life with far fewer restrictions.

Bruzzese has never thought of her donation as anything other than necessary. It surprises her that more people aren’t willing to step up to the plate. “When I think about the 1500 people waiting for organs, I know I want to be part of a solution.” said Ms Bruzzese.

Trillium Gift of Life Network reports that 80% of Ontarians say they support organ donation, yet fewer than 25% have actually registered to be a donor. “I remember the pride I felt when I first registered to be an organ donor,” says Dr. Dave Williams, Southlake President & CEO. “At that time, all I needed to do was sign the card that came with my driver’s licence. Since then, I have learned it is important to actually visit the Be a Donor site to register and provide up-to-date information. Now, I have registered and become part of Southlake’s Gift of 8 Movement.”

Many people mistakenly believe they are already registered donors because they carry a signed donor card in their wallets; however this may not be the case. During the Gift of 8 Organ and Tissue Donation Workplace Registration Drive, Southlake staff, patients, visitors, and community members are encouraged to visit beadonor.ca/southlakeregional to register their desire to become an organ and/or tissue donor or to check the status of their consent online.  Registering to be a donor by joining the Gift of 8 Movement might be the greatest gift you ever give.

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