Organ Donation / Thank You

To Whom It May Concern,
which is everyone reading this and more.

On January 15th, 2009, I had been listed on the Trillium Gift of Life Organ & Tissue Donation list, in a Category 2 state, which is he highest you can get for immediately needing lungs. I started my journey in Ottawa and finished in first place in Toronto, on February 16th, 2009,  on Canada's Second Annual Family Day.

God has given us a unique temple and fortress, which I like to call the Heart and soul.

It takes a really strong person to put themselves on an Organ Donation list, and an even stronger person to sign the card and register with the Ontario Health Government. You may have discussed with your family the option to be an organ and tissue donor, and that is a good thing, but it's more than just signing your Organ Donation card now. You must register with the Government; otherwise, it's useless.

I was lessened that on February 15th, 2009, the gift of my new life came quickly. I cannot thank the family of this strong individual, whom I know nothing about, for their strength in believing in this person's wishes to be an organ donor. Every day I breathe, I take an extra one for "him/her" for they will live on forever with me.

I have been following Parliament these days with their request to make Organ Donation mandatory unless otherwise stated for Religious beliefs, or you just don't want to, although I don't see why you wouldn't. Every human can save up to 8 others by donating organs; sometimes, even 75 individuals can benefit from one human donation.

If you haven't signed your card or talked to your family about it, I encourage you to do so. You must be 16 to donate your organs, unless you're a child, and then it's a little more complicated. I have signed my card, but now I must register it with Health Canada and OHIP.

If you need any more information regarding Organ & Tissue Donation, please visit www.giftoflife.on.ca. They have all the information you need.

I have some pretty amazing ideas slowly coming to fruition in the next few months, so keep your eyes peeled, all the people int he world need to know about these things, and I want you all to be a part of one of the best things you can do to keep another life going, even when you can't. If you donate yourself, you will also get another chance at life. You may not experience it in your life, but in someone who really needs to be here, to carry on your name.

I plan on spreading the word, sending a Thank you to all those who helped me, and the family who so generously allowed me to live with the lungs of their loved one. There aren't any words that can express my gratitude to them, their siblings and spouses.

I will have a more in-depth blog about organ donation later on.

Breathing Easy
Ali