It’s been a long time since we have been reminded that organ donations can save lives. We read about it, hear about it, and then we go on to the next item, as if it never registered. I understand that—it is natural to act that way. We care about others and try to help them, but each of us obviously decides when, how much, and to whom. Often it is a dodging game. We try to avoid situations where we will be asked, except for some who are more comfortable financially and have the ability to give somewhat more freely. Those people pick their charities more carefully and sometimes, or often, are downright generous in their gifts. But for most of us who are constantly watching costs, prices, and incomes—it is more a question of being very careful in our donations.
And so life goes on. We give what we believe we can, or will, and don’t think about it much more. But when it comes to calls for kidney donations, it is a very different situation. People are not generally worried about financial implications. There is no cost; the time involves 3–5 days in the hospital and a period of up to a couple of weeks of less than normal exertion. Then, in the overwhelming vast majority of cases, life goes back to normal! In the case of the recipient, more than 90% go on to a dialysis-free life without constantly worrying about the future.
The most beautiful thing is that this is tzedakah from the heart—that doesn’t differentiate between those who are stupendously wealthy and those who are struggling to barely get by. It is nothing short of amazing—it is free, it is relatively easy, and at the same time, it is scary for everyone (though in reality never needs to be).
Many of us know someone who has been contacted by the New York Blood Center because they were a possible match for someone who needed a bone marrow transplant. We are honored that our son Akiva is one such person. He gave his marrow and also his stem cells.
Not too long ago someone I know and respect mentioned that she had donated a kidney. I was blown away! And I immediately started thinking that I could and should become a donor. As I thought and talked about it more. I mentioned it to a son-in-law who is a physician. He unfortunately reminded me that due to some medical issues that I have I would be ineligible to be a donor. I have accepted the decision, but very much regret that I didn’t more seriously consider it when I was much younger.
What greater thing can a person do in his life, than to give another person a full chance at life. So please, please, think about helping someone else live. Contact Project Renewal now!
By Rabbi Mordechai Glick
