Check a box, save a life guest column

By EDEn GolDBERG Student columnist

After hearing from organ recipients share their life stories to my health class, I learned that a big decision was on its way. I never thought about being an organ donor until I heard these speakers from the Transplants Recipients International Organization. A month later, when I saw that check box staring me down I didn’t think twice before checking the box “yes.”

If I didn’t hear those speakers I would have never received the knowledge of how important being an organ donor can be. All teens should be more educated in this topic as they have to make this important decision on their permit. I love knowing that one day I can potentially save someone’s life.

Ed Linz was a heart transplant recipient in 1994. At 47 years old, Linz was diagnosed with Cardiac Sarcoidosis, and he was told he had two more years to live. Linz physicians told him “We may be able to get you a new heart, but there are few out there.”

Three months later, a miracle happened. Linz received a heart.

According to Transplants Recipients International Organization, after his recovery “Linz vowed to do everything possible to honor the memory of his donor whose heart he was now carrying.” From then on, he continued his life traveling around the world, hiking. To hear more about Linz and other wonderful organ recipients stories, check out TrioWeb.org

The American Kidney Fund says that “By donating organs and tissues after you die, you can save up to eight lives and improve as many as 75.”

Did you know that every donor can help up to 85 lives?

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Health Resources & Services Administration says that there are currently 104,000 people on the organ transplant list waiting for their lives to be changed. It is known that 17 people die each day waiting on the transplant list for that one organ that can save their life. With such high demand for organs, more people should consider becoming a donor. Imagine you were waiting on that list for a miracle to happen? You can be that miracle.

So when you have the opportunity to become an organ donor, check that box, save a life.

Eden Goldberg is a sophomore at John F. Kennedy High School, and a student contributor to the Bellmore & Merrick Heralds.

MJC to install Rabbi Josh Dorsch

Senior Rabbi Josh Dorsch will be installed at the Merrick Jewish Centre later this month, in a special ceremony on May 20 at 7:30 p.m. The Centre asks that congregants make an effort to attend, and ‘officially’ welcome its new spiritual leader. RSVPs to the occasion are due by May 13. For more information, and to view sponsorship levels, visit MerrickJC.org or call (516) 379-8650. The Centre is located at 225 Fox Blvd., Merrick.

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