Bereavement Support Group

I am so sorry for your loss! I have been a regular blood donor my whole life and all of my family knows that if something were ever happen to me, I want any organs donated that can use. Given the circumstances of your sister's death I really don't know what could have been donated other than maybe her corneas but I am not an expert so please don't take this wrong. I don't think that they would have called your family unless they truly felt that there was something your sister could have given that could have benefited another person. Given the tragic circumstances of her death they probably did not have her drivers license available to see her wishes. With organ/issue donation time is so crutial so I understand their urgency but their lack of tack was uncalled for. At best they should have had someone speak with your family in person and let you know your options, at least they could have made sure they were speaking with your sister's husband and the one ultimately to give permission rather than upset her children further. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

I totally agree. I still have never received proof that my son signed to donate his organs! I was just told he did. I think he was a donor upon reaching the hospital instead of anyone trying to save his life!

My little grandson, Slade died suddenly and even though I know how hard it had to be for my daughter to do it, she decided to donate his organs so other children might live. He was only 3 and 1/2 months old and she came home from work and found him dead in his crib from CHD. She tells me there are no days that goes by that she does not cry. This just happed on April 16. I am so proud of her but also so worried about her.

The night my son was killed, I had a house full of people and the phone ringing. Yet when the phone rang , once again,an I answered it was the hospital asking about donation. Without any doubt I said of course, I did pass the phone over to my mother so she could answer all their questions before taking what they could.
See my son loved to help people, he'd give his lunch money to others so they could eat. I knew that it was what he wanted, it was the one moment from that nightmare night that I knew and felt good about being able to have Zac give to someone else one last time.
When I received the letter of what they were able to use, no major organs due to blunt force trauma, I was amazed.
Two people can now see because of Zac, even better the next day I met a man with whom his wife had just received the same surgery that my son had helped people in GA. Then to hear how his wife went from staying in the house, depressed an unable to see....now going outside, leaving the house to help the family buisness, enjoying life and her family once again. That is just what Zac would wanted.
I am sorry to those of you that feel it is something so unthinkable in your hardest moment, you have that right to feel that way. Yet I on the other hand am SO thankful to know that my son has helped burn victims, bi-pass surgery patients and people to see.
I could not be prouder of him!

I believe organ donation is a great thing. My son specified donor on his driver's liscense. He was young and very healthy. Unfortunatly my son was a victim of homecide, the police kept his ID, didn't notify the hospital of his intention to be a donor and his organs were destroyed in autopsy. I feel horrible about it, my son was a very giving person, he could have helped others to live. Actually I'm livid about it, his wishes should have been carried out.

The way the subject was broached to the daughter is dispicable. How insensitive of that person, he/she should have asked to speak to the husband. It must be very difficult to be the person who has to talk with the family re organ donation, but so many lives are saved that way. So sorry for your loss and the extra pain you've had to endure because of insensitivity.

The night my sister passed away, my mother got a phone call in the middle of the night. It was the hospital, and they told her my sister was an organ donor. She didnt know what to say, she asked what could they possibly use, she had cancer everywhere....they said her eyes. My mother broke down crying, she loved the thought that someone who was not able to see would be able to with my sisters beautiful eyes.

They never asked if I wanted to donate as they had already taken him for an atopsy and didn't even tell me they did one till the next day. I Would have let them donate as I am a registered donor when I pass. If I can save somebodys life when I go then I would be so happy. maybe even a little boy that was just like my son. That would make my son happy as well.

The people who deal with organ donation, which should be requested from the hospital, deal with raw emotions every time they do their job. I am not defending the people you dealt with in any way, but I think I can see where they must remove themselves from what they have to do in order to be effective at their job. Their actions save a lot of people's lives. I was not able to donate my daughter's organs. Her body was evidence in a crime. It was several weeks before they released her to us. And it was a month more before we could get her personal belongings.

I'm sorry for your loss!It must be really difficult for you at this moment in time to accept this.However,considering that it was your sister's wish to be an organ donor don't you think you need to consider that too.although your sister probably hasn't discussed about this with her family that's why it would be hard for them to accept that now.
everyone has it's own understanding about organ donation,and being a nurse i understand this need.in fact i myself is an organ donor.but before i did the decision i have consulted my immediate relatives especially my mom who is a bit skeptical about this.and explain to them why i am doing this and now they understand.and hoping that when that time comes they will happily accept my wish!

After my husband passed, the nurses at the hospital "warned " me that I would receive the request for my husbands organs.She said that they can be very matter of fact and pushy.The people did call and were very nice and not pushy. I didnt donate but that was because my husband didnt want me to. I'm not sure why but when I told him I was a donor he cringed so I didnt want to go against his wishes. I think it is up to each individual person what they want to do.