Dallas Morning News

April 9, 2010

by Steve Blow

It's safe to say we're all weary of the health care debate.

Amen?

But if a few seconds of your time could dramatically improve the health of thousands, you'd still be interested in that, right?

Well, of course.

So just practice saying these two words: "yes" and "yes." And remember them next time you renew your driver's license.

That's all it takes now to register as an organ donor.

We've had a hodgepodge of procedures before. I still thought you had to sign something on the back of your license. But apparently that was two or three systems ago.

Now just answer "yes" and "yes" to the two pertinent questions when you apply for or renew a license.

And if enough people do, no one will have to die waiting for an organ transplant.
Isn't that cool?

Unfortunately, we're not there yet. Last year, 6,000 died while waiting.

In the previous year, one who died while waiting was 14-year-old Maiya Cunningham of Duncanville.

She needed a new heart.

This week, her mother, Sharnell, was at the driver's license office in Garland, urging those in the waiting area to say "yes" and "yes" when asked.

"I'm fulfilling Maiya's request," her soft-spoken mom explained. "She wanted to spread the word about organ donation. In fact, she became an organ donor herself."

Also talking with people in the waiting area was Pamela Woodberry. The 42-year-old Dallas resident still overflows with gratitude for the heart she received 10 months ago.

She takes a lighthearted tone to organ donation. "You're not gonna need 'em when you reach the Pearly Gates," she teases. "And if up to 50 people can be saved from one donation, why not?"

Sheri George, 52, of Garland was also there, talking about the profound difference that a 12-year-old North Texas boy made for her. She received his liver after he died in a hunting accident.

"If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here," she said. "I carry his picture with me all the time."

Well, surely everyone in that waiting room was persuaded to donate. If so, they did a big favor for their families.

It's so much better to make that decision for yourself than force it upon your loved ones in a time of shock and grief.

Later this month, 10-year-old Jonathan Gallegos of Dallas will fly to El Paso to meet the parents of the young man who saved his life.

Jonathan got a new kidney last year. He had waited more than a year. "He's a brand-new person," mom Mary Gallegos said. "It's like he came back to life."

But Miguel Esparza admits he was very reluctant to allow his son's organs to be donated.

Joseph, 16, died last summer after falling from the back of a pickup.

Just one thing persuaded him, Miguel said.

His son had registered as an organ donor at the driver's license office.

For those under 18, donation still requires parental approval. And the Esparzas gave it only because Joseph had registered.

"He always said he wanted to be a doctor and save lives," Miguel said in a tearful phone conversation this week. "We believe that he did realize his dream of saving lives."

You don't have to wait to register as an organ donor. You can do it right now at Donate LifeTexas.org.

But most people register only when asked at a driver's license office. So expect the questions.

First comes a short one about being a donor. Then there's a long one about putting your name on the registry.

Say "yes" and "yes." It's health care we all can support.