The gift of life that organ donors share should come without strings attached. Wisconsin has much to be proud of, including our state’s leadership in organ donation and transplantation. Already more than half of us have “Got our dot,” and shared our wishes to be a donor. The lives that are saved through the generosity of these donors are those of our family, neighbors, co-workers and children. These people were served by utilizing the federally-mandated organ transplant waitlist. Mr. Undis suggests that by joining Lifesharers you'll be better served if you should ever need a transplant, which is confusing and false. I encourage readers to go to www.optn.org/data to learn the facts about the current waitlist system. For more information about donation, and to get your own donor dot, visit: www.donatelifewisconsin.org.

To karenjis41: Despite what David Undis and Lifesharers might tell you, they are not a registry. And, Lifesharers will not have preferred access to the organs of other Lifesharer members, unless they meet the criteria of the legitimate organ allocation system in our country.

Further, Mr. Undis is proposing two waiting lists, one for registered organ donors and the other for those who have not, for whatever reason, registered. He believes that will force more people to register for fear they would not receive a transplant if they needed one. Great reason to sign up, right?

If he really wanted to increase donation, he would tell you to go to www.donatelife.net to find out how to register as a donor in your own state.

Phil Van Stavern
LifeShare of Oklahoma
21-year kidney recipient

As long as you are talking donation, think about donating your body to science. What is not used for going to transplant patients can be used in med schools and research facilities to help find cures for things such as cancer, parkinson's and etc...
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The group I am signed up for will then return your cremated remains and there is no charge to your family. It is called MedCure 1-866-560-2525

Thank you, LIFESHARERS!!! I just signed up. Very easy to do and I hope everyone who reads your post does the same. I have always opted to donate my organs upon my death. Now this is another way to let my friends and loved ones know. Hoorah for you!!!

Your story about Organ Donations highlighted the tragic shortage of human organs for transplant operations.

Giving organs first to organ donors will convince more people to register as organ donors. It will also make the organ allocation system fairer. People who aren't willing to share the gift of life should go to the back of the waiting list as long as there is a shortage of organs.

Anyone who wants to donate their organs to others who have agreed to donate theirs can join LifeSharers. LifeSharers is a non-profit network of organ donors who agree to offer their organs first to other organ donors when they die. Membership is free at www.lifesharers.org or by calling 1-888-ORGAN88. There is no age limit, parents can enroll their minor children, and no one is excluded due to any pre-existing medical condition. LifeSharers has over 12,000 members at this writing, including 216 members in Wisconsin.

The Rock in Beloit is hosting the Hailey Rath Memorial Event with a 5K Run/Walk and Music Fest to promote organ donation awareness this Saturday, August 22nd. Go to the following link for more information www.haileyrath5k.org

Sign those driver's licenses! You could save a life, especially if you're young and healthy. When organ donation is polled far more than 53% are in favor.