There is a critical need for Native American organ and tissue donors.
1,000 native Americans are waiting for someone to donate the organ that will save their lives. Most – approximately 85% - are waiting on a kidney. Many will not find an organ donor in time.
The shortage of organs for transplant affects all ethnic and racial groups – more than 17 people die every day waiting for an organ.
The shortage of organs for transplant affects all ethnic and racial groups – more than 17 people die every day waiting for an organ.
The shortage is especially critical in Native American communities where diabetes is common, and the rate of end-stage renal disease is rampant. Native Americans wait the longest of any racial or ethnic group in the United States between beginning kidney dialysis and receiving a deceased donor kidney transplant.
Chloe Hyatt, of the Choctaw Nation, knows the importance of donation.
Chloe’s older sister, Morgan, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at a young age. She lived life as normal as possible for as long as she could. When she was eight years old, her body began rejecting her lungs and was listed for a transplant.
On May 17, 2009 – her family got the call that she would be receiving a transplant. Despite the worries of such a big surgery, she recovered quickly. Morgan began to live her life to honor her donor, running 5K’s and remembering them in big life events that wouldn’t have been possible without donation.
Six years after Morgan’s transplant, her body began rejecting her transplanted lungs. She was listed for a second transplant. Thanks to a second donor, she received another chance at life. Everyone was amazed at her quick recovery. She was full of life, had a contagious smile and still continued to live her life to the fullest.
Unfortunately, Morgan began to get sick again – this time with no hope of a third transplant. One year after her second transplant, Morgan passed away. As heartbroken as her family was, they still remembered the donor families who gave them an extra nine years with their daughter and sister.
Despite all odds, Morgan was able to give back this time. Becoming a donor herself, she donated her heart valves and corneas. She was able to give the gift of life and sight to others, helping the circle of life continue.
“To me, Choctaw is family. They stand strong in what they believe in. They support many wonderful things – and I’m happy to be a part of that. I hope the Choctaw people will consider being a donor.” Said Chloe.
Chloe, diagnosed with the same disease her sister had, may also need a transplant one day to save her life.
It is imperative that all people, especially Native Americans, register to be a donor and share their decision about donation with their family and tribe. One small decision about donation could impact more people in Native communities allowing the circle of life to continue.
Chloe Hyatt, of the Choctaw Nation, knows the importance of donation.
Chloe’s older sister, Morgan, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at a young age. She lived life as normal as possible for as long as she could. When she was eight years old, her body began rejecting her lungs and was listed for a transplant.
On May 17, 2009 – her family got the call that she would be receiving a transplant. Despite the worries of such a big surgery, she recovered quickly. Morgan began to live her life to honor her donor, running 5K’s and remembering them in big life events that wouldn’t have been possible without donation.
Six years after Morgan’s transplant, her body began rejecting her transplanted lungs. She was listed for a second transplant. Thanks to a second donor, she received another chance at life. Everyone was amazed at her quick recovery. She was full of life, had a contagious smile and still continued to live her life to the fullest.
Unfortunately, Morgan began to get sick again – this time with no hope of a third transplant. One year after her second transplant, Morgan passed away. As heartbroken as her family was, they still remembered the donor families who gave them an extra nine years with their daughter and sister.
Despite all odds, Morgan was able to give back this time. Becoming a donor herself, she donated her heart valves and corneas. She was able to give the gift of life and sight to others, helping the circle of life continue.
“To me, Choctaw is family. They stand strong in what they believe in. They support many wonderful things – and I’m happy to be a part of that. I hope the Choctaw people will consider being a donor.” Said Chloe.
Chloe, diagnosed with the same disease her sister had, may also need a transplant one day to save her life.
It is imperative that all people, especially Native Americans, register to be a donor and share their decision about donation with their family and tribe. One small decision about donation could impact more people in Native communities allowing the circle of life to continue.
