Poll: Blood, organ and bone marrow donation and you

[Chrono212]

So, we just had a talk at my college about blood, organ and bone marrow donation mainly to dispel the 'myths' around it.

I was just wondering what you Escapists thought of the topic as I think it is a worth while cause and that isn't just hyperbol.
I've just finished filling out my donor card application form and have allowed the following to be taken:

Spoiler: Organs!

Heart
Kidneys
Liver
Small bowel
Eyes
Lungs
Pancreas
Tissue (skin etc.)

So are you a donor? What have you allowed to be taken? Do you need a donor? And have you ever had a talk like this and what was your reaction?

Note: According to the presentation, all of the major religions allow donation in one form or another and so it isn't on the poll

Edit: Just to make it easier for all of you, here are a few starting points if you want to become a donor (just a small sample)
The National Blood Service (UK)
Irish Blood Transusion Service
American Red Cross - Give Blood

The speaker today was from the Anthony Nolan Trust and also attached to the Register and Be a lifesaver bone marrow donor campaign.
Both sites are very informative about what they do as well as good ol' Wikipedia

[HEADING=2]Major Edit[/HEADING]
If anyone is still watching this, it was the step-father of Daniel De-Gale that spoke to us.

 

[The Cheezy One]

i keep meaning to get around to it. i think giving blood and organs is important to keeping others alive, but that doesnt necesarily mean i think people should, its personal preference really. its a very touchy subject from what i understand, people think it violates their privacy to have organs given to others after they kick the bucket

 

[Macgyvercas]

I donate blood on a regular basis and if I am ever get in an accident and become brain dead, my next of kin (i.e. parents) are under request from me to donate my organs.

My reason for blood donation is that it's going to regenerate anyway, so no biggie, and my reason for the organ donation is that if I'm brain dead, I won't have a use for them, so why not donate them.

 

[zombiesinc]

Well, I'd be more than happy to donate blood, I just haven't ever actually done so.

I would be willing to donate organs, mainly the internal ones. After seeing part of Six Feet Under, I do not wish to donate external organs, particularly the eyes... I don't think my family could handle it.

 

[dragonslayer32]

I am never going to give blood, it is mine. I realise it can save lives but I have a major fear of getting blood taken. Yes, I am a coward. Although, my mum needs a kidney and I keep saying I will give her one of mine but she will refuse to take it. When I die they can have anything they want from me, I won't need it.

 

[tharglet]

I've never donated blood, but I do have a donor card, that basically says they can take anything after I'm dead.

I wouldn't say no to donating blood, but I've never got around to doing it ever lol.

 

[SnipErlite]

I give blood regularly (okay, I've only done it once but I will continue to), and I'm already on the organ donors list following my death.

Might as well help people

 

[ilspooner]

I will donate blood when I get older, and also I will donate my organs when I die. No need for lungs and stuff when I die right?

 

[Keava]

I donate blood every time i do a medical check-up for work, so about every 4 years. Laziness wins this one.

However in case of my death, i decided to donate my body to science, if they find any useful organs or tissue they can use it, if they just want a cadaver for med students to practice cutting through be my guest. In my opinion it's much better that rotting in the pine box buried 6 feet under and there is always lack of corpses on the med universities

 

[tigermilk]

I donate blood three times a year. My organs will go to people who need them when I die, I am on a bone marrow waiting list.

I'll refrain from going off on one about people who don't donate blood as I am sure people (a majority of the population) have their reasons.

And of course giving blood also give me the excuse to reel out the old Hancock impression "A pint, thats nearly an armful". Never had the nerve to do a John Le Mesurier impression "My dear you are looking for a vein not digging for oil", and that is the extent of my 1950's/60's British sit-com (poorly delivered) impressions related to giving blood.

p.s. My blood type is 'B Resus Negative'.

 

[rockyoumonkeys]

Nope. I hate needles. Won't go near them. Not an organ donor because I hate paperwork.

 

[Plinglebob]

I give blood as often as I can, I'm a registered organ and bone marrow doner and I'm due to start platelet donations next month.

 

[Crayzor]

I'm a registered organ donor, so if I die, my organs will be donated. I'll probably donate blood at some point down the line. It just seems like a little thing I can do that will help somebody who needs it.

 

[Betancore]

I'll be old enough to donate blood in a couple of months, and I'm planning to do it with a friend. I have a blood test every month anyway, so a few more holes in my arm won't make a difference. Not sure if I can, though, since I'm on Lamictal and Epilim. And if I became brain dead or something, I'd be willing to donate my organs/tissue. It's not like I'll be needing them anymore, after I die.

 

[Dogmeat T Dingo]

You forgot to add the "No, I can't for legislative reasons" option, or rather the "No, I can't because the Australian government doesn't accept fag blood no matter how provably clean it is" option.

Well ok, you CAN donate blood if you're a non-practicing homosexual who stays celibate for at least a year first, but I don't feel any guilt over shunning the blood van because of it. If straight people don't have to go sex free for a year to donate I don't see why I should, especially since straight blood isn't any less likely to have STDs that don't show up for a few months.

I know that sounds mean but it's not me hindering my ability to give blood, it's the government. After the legislators let me give blood the same way everyone else does, I'll be right there with my arm out for the needle.

 

[tharglet]

Not an organ donor because I hate paperwork.

Pfft, I know for the UK it's pretty easy to register online for it.... that's how I did it lol.

 

[Addendum_Forthcoming]

I used to give blood, not so much anymore.

I'm a donor though :x

 

[Mechsoap]

You forgot to add the "No, I can't for legislative reasons" option, or rather the "No, I can't because the Australian government doesn't accept fag blood no matter how provably clean it is" option.

Well ok, you CAN donate blood if you're a non-practicing homosexual who stays celibate for at least a year first, but I don't feel any guilt over shunning the blood van because of it. If straight people don't have to go sex free for a year to donate I don't see why I should, especially since straight blood isn't any less likely to have STDs that don't show up for a few months.

I know that sounds mean but it's not me hindering my ability to give blood, it's the government. After the legislators let me give blood the same way everyone else does, I'll be right there with my arm out for the needle.

irony would happen and they would need a donor but there arent any because of their rule XD

i wish to give blood when i come off age and i will give my organs after my decease, why waste good organs?

 

[Mechsoap]

Not an organ donor because I hate paperwork.

Pfft, I know for the UK it's pretty easy to register online for it.... that's how I did it lol.

reminds me of that monty python scene, in meaning of life

 

[Julianking93]

Considering I'm under legal age to do so, I can't donate anything but when I turn 18, I plan on donating blood regularly.

Organs on the other hand....I don't know. Maybe. I'm already terrified of needles and the thought of surgery isn't too pleasant to me.

And a bone marrow surgery just sounds like the worst possible pain in the world >>