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.
Elaina Reynolds, of the Chickasaw Nation, is a fortunate toddler who received an organ.
Elaina came into the world full of life and weighing a mere three pounds at 32 weeks gestation. Within weeks, she had been diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, a condition in which the bile ducts in the liver are scarred and blocked. The disease leads to an accumulation of bile, damage of liver cells and cirrhosis. The only cure for their three-pound baby was a liver transplant.
“There is nothing that will humble you quicker than finding out your daughter is sick and needs a transplant,” Cody Reynolds said. “I don’t think you ever realize that it can happen to you in a split second.”
Her family patiently waited for the call that would save Elaina’s life – and in the meantime, they raised awareness about donation. As a Chickasaw family, they believe their ancestors would want to honor others with the gifts they can offer as they pass on.
“As an advocate for organ donation I would like to encourage everyone to register to be a donor. It may be your family that needs that gift one day,” Kellie Reynolds said.
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.
Elaina Reynolds, of the Chickasaw Nation, is a fortunate toddler who received an organ.
Elaina came into the world full of life and weighing a mere three pounds at 32 weeks gestation. Within weeks, she had been diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, a condition in which the bile ducts in the liver are scarred and blocked. The disease leads to an accumulation of bile, damage of liver cells and cirrhosis. The only cure for their three-pound baby was a liver transplant.
“There is nothing that will humble you quicker than finding out your daughter is sick and needs a transplant,” Cody Reynolds said. “I don’t think you ever realize that it can happen to you in a split second.”
Her family patiently waited for the call that would save Elaina’s life – and in the meantime, they raised awareness about donation. As a Chickasaw family, they believe their ancestors would want to honor others with the gifts they can offer as they pass on.
“As an advocate for organ donation I would like to encourage everyone to register to be a donor. It may be your family that needs that gift one day,” Kellie Reynolds said.
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.
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