While in Mt Dora, we met and listened to speeches by several members of the Five Points of Life Ride. The Ride began in Ottawa, CA and ends in South Beach, FL. Their purpose is to increase awareness on the Five Points of Life, which is donating: Organs and Tissue, Whole Blood, Cord Blood, Marrow, and Apheresis. One of the riders told her personal story of losing her 17 yr old son in a car accident. By donating his organs, etc, he greatly impacted the lives of 60 other people. Saving the lives of at least 3 with donations of his heart, liver, and kidney.
Another gentleman we spoke to explained how he donated some of his marrow to a young boy...who is now over 17 years old and doing well. He mentioned that when you place your name on a bone marrow registry there's about a 1 in 6,000 chance that you'll be called to donate. But if you need a bone marrow replacement you might only have a 1 in 600 chance of finding a match; if you're African American that rate is reduced to 1 in 2,000. (I hope I'm remembering his facts correctly). There's just not enough donors.
It was very impactful information. So, if you're interested in donating: have "organ donor" put on your driver's license, or have a witnessed statement placed in your wallet; sign up with your State Registry; and, most important of all, tell your family of your wishes.
Andy and I are organ donors, but we didn't know about the State Registry. I'm also now going to read more about marrow donations. And we will continue to try to give blood. My thoughts are that I don't need these things when I'm dead and gone, right? And, if I can save a life while living mine, that's pretty powerful.
Best of luck to the Five Points of Life Riders for a safe, fun, and successful ride.
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