11/20/2025
Creatures Great and Small is a family business. It started with my Mom, Louise. Many of you knew her and loved her, some of you remember the old cranky lady. You don't hurt my feelings if she wasn't your cup of tea. Today would have been her 85th birthday. Some of you may even remember the press coverage of her death because it didn't have to happen.
I am fortunate to be able to share my family with all of yours (2 and 4 legged).
Each year on her birthday, I try to take minute to remind people about organ donation. If you have known me for a while you are probably sick of reading this year after year, but if each year one new person donates potentially 20 people are helped.
My mother was legally blind most of her life from a disease called keratoconus. As a teen/twenties she had to have contacts made for her in England to try to force the shape of her eyes into place. Think of foot binding for her eyes. It was painful, but gave her a chance at vision. In her 40's she would have Liz read the road signs while she drove. This was dangerous and scary, but it was normal for us. Finally in her 50's she was the 3rd person in the US to benefit from corneal transplant and it was a game changer for our family. My mom's vision was both restored, but the pain from the distorted corneas was relieved. We no longer feared being in the car with her. It allowed her to be there for us instead of us being there for her. She had one rejection, so 3 transplants total. Three different donors contributed to changing our lives. You see when the recipient's life changes, it impacts the entire family.
When a loved one passes and chooses organ donation, it can directly benefit over 20 people and millions when you consider scientific research. It isn't just the heart and lungs that are critical. The largest organ in the body is the skin, which can go to help burn victims. What isn't procured for transplant can be used for research.
How do you donate? There is a box you can mark when you apply for your driver's license. Just mark the box. Share your wishes with your family. Remember, they are making decisions during a tough time. Make sure they know your wishes so it doesn't make them question the decision during a time when things are very confusing.
Does donation mean they will not try to resucitate? No. If you have a DNR, that is different. However, in the absence of the DNR, they will fight to save you. How do I know this? I know this because I watched the hours of CPR on my Mother. The reality is they go for 30 minutes or until there is a pulse. My mom kept regaining a pulse before the 30 minute mark so they reset the clock each time, even when the chance of any normal life is gone. All efforts were made even at the risk of sacrificing the organs that could have been donated. So, no, they don't just let you die to scavenge for organs.
When your loved one passes, is it complicated? As the person that had to answer the question for the procurement team, no. I did have to answer hard and personal questions within hours of the traumatic event, but they were kind and understanding. I had to try to answer about her travels, s*x life, and drinking/smoking habits. It was awkward, but nothing terrible and some things I couldn't answer. That was okay.
I know her skin saved a car accident victim. I know her eyes went back to research. Many of her organs were damaged by extensive life saving efforts, but we know that she helped others.
Discussing organ donation is a serious matter and not something people want to think about until it is too late. Just taking a moment to make sure your loved ones know your wishes could save lives.
I am an organ donor. I say it loud and often. My childhood was better because people gave the gift of life. My mother's last 20 years were better because of these gifts. She saw her grandchildren. She never took one day for granted. Please consider organ donation. If you want more information, please let me know and I am happy to send you links and organizations that can assist you.
Today, we will be playing songs that are good for timing CPR in honor of my Mom. Have a great day!
