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.

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.

with Michael and Suzanne Ettinger Attorneys-at-Law

Contesting a Will

In order to contest a will, the objectant must have “standing”, meaning they would legally be entitled to a share or a greater share of the estate if the will was declared invalid. “Standing” alone, however, is insuffcient. There must also be grounds for contesting as provided below.

1. Undue Infuence: Independent caregivers and caregiver children who end up being named primary benefciaries under the will are often scrutinized for having prevailed upon the decedent to leave them the lion’s share of the estate. The various means alleged may be physical or mental abuse, threats and isolation of the disabled person. Even noncaregivers who had infuence over mom or dad may be challenged where they end up with more than their fair share. As with any court proceedings, proof of the claim will need to be made.

2. Improper Execution: The formalities for executing a will must be strictly observed. The formalities include that the witnesses believed the decedent was of sound mind, memory and understanding. There must be two witnesses who signed in the presence of the testator and of each other. The testator must declare in front of the witnesses that they read the will, understood it, declare that it is their last will and testament and approve of the two witnesses to act as witnesses to the will.

3. Incapacity: Even if the witnesses testify they believed that the testator was capable to sign the will, a challenge may still be made that the person was not able to read the will due to a defect of sight or was unable to understand either the will, what property they owned or who their heirs were, due to mental incapacity. These latter claims will require medical proof.

Challengers should be wary of the “no contest clause”. This provides that any beneft the challenging party would have received under the will is forfeited if the challenge is unsuccessful. If the gift was substantial, even though not an equal share, the no-contest clause is a powerful disincentive to contest the will.