National Organ Donor Day

Most people know that February 14 is Valentine’s Day, but at the same time they celebrate National Organ Donor Day. It was created to show the highest degree of manifestation of love and sympathy found in people. Suffice it to recall those who donated their organs to save others. Among them were relatives who wanted to help save the life of a loved one.

History

For medical reasons, a person may need an organ transplant. According to the laws, the operation can be carried out only after obtaining the consent of the donor, or his next of kin in the event of death. In most cases, the second option is more often used. In the first, people usually donate a kidney, part of the liver, lungs, pancreas or intestines.

In 1905, the first successful corneal transplant took place. The donor was the Czech E. Jim. The kidney was transplanted in 1950 and donated by R. Herrick for his twin brother. He became a living donor. The news quickly spread around the world, but doctors were still afraid to use such methods. Over time, the fear began to disappear. Today, an organ transplant is as much an operation as hundreds of others.

Interesting facts

• In 2010, a team of experienced doctors performed a complete face transplant. They managed to make a real breakthrough in the history of medicine.
• The oldest donor is a 107-year-old woman from Scotland. She donated her organ to an elderly man from West Virginia.
• In 2014, a British woman decided to voluntarily give her kidney to a complete stranger. She found out how many people needed such operations and hoped to prolong the life of one of them.

How to celebrate

Not everyone can afford to give up a vital organ, but on this day it will be enough just to donate blood. Find the nearest donor point. With his simple act, you will be able to save someone who really desperately needs help. Anyone with enough money can do charity work and support those who are undergoing a long course of treatment. It is important to remember that every year the number of people in need of transplantation is growing.

When is National Organ Donor Day celebrated in 2024?

National Organ Donor Day is observed on February 14 each year.

Observations