In tragedy, a gift

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Let's talk candidly about Donation after Cardiac Death. DCD is a term used when organ donation is done once a person's family has determined that a family member, although not legally declared brain dead, has no chance of recovering from an illness or injury. The family, often with the support of the physician, struggles but comes to the decision to withdraw all forms of artificial life supports.

This is a heart-wrenching decision for any family, but it is particularly hard when you think of it in terms of a child.

Hospitals still remain reluctant to offer this decision to parents of dying children. Hospitals and physicians take from those parents the peace that comes when something good comes from such a tremendous loss. Should two children die when one potentially could be saved?

To those hospital administrators and physicians, I have this question: What if the decision involved the life of your child? Would you have wanted a family, given the opportunity, to say yes?

The Kristopher King Foundation works to increase pediatric organ donation through education and awareness. Visit kristopherkingfoundation.com for more information.

Maureen Sleber