It's In You to Give

I don't usually post human interest stories, but I thought this one was particularly relevant.

Two years ago, Len Geiger was near death, suffering from a severe case of genetic emphysema. On Saturday, Geiger participated in his first marathon, accompanied by the father of the 14-year-old girl whose lungs were used in a double-lung transplant to save his life.

...

In 2002, Geiger's lungs were barely functioning and his hip bones had deteriorated from his steroid medication, requiring a total hip replacement.

At the same time, Shroyer's once-vivacious daughter, Korinne, lay in a hospital, about to die from what Shroyer said was a Paxil-induced suicide. The government has warned that the anti-depressant may be linked to an increased risk of suicide in children.

Shroyer and his wife Kristie, overwhelmed with grief, drew on their faith and decided to have Korinne's organs donated. Her lungs went to Geiger, a 45-year-old from Gainesville, Ga.

....

And though their relationship was born out of tragedy, Shroyer said Geiger's chance at a new life was the most positive thing to come out of his daughter's death.

"As a result of losing our daughter, I feel like I've kind of adopted a brother," Shroyer said. "And he's part of our family, whether he wants to be or not."

Organ donation rates in this country are quite low, and I'm sure the same is true all over the world. There is no reason in this day and age, given the population we have, why anybody should die on a waiting list for an organ transplant. If you don't have personal or religious objections to donating organs, please let someone you love (yes, it sounds cheesy) know that you'd like to donate some organs after you die or, better yet, sign an organ donation card. Frankly, even if you have religious or personal objections, that doesn't cut it with me if someone dies. In my books, there's not really any excuse not to be willing to donate your organs if needed. You're dead, for Christ's sake.

Organs, they're in you to give.

Also, over at Batter's Box I've got a new article up about the best relievers in the NPB. If you're interested in baseball, check it out.