Caledonia Argus

Organ donation: giving ìthe possibility of extended lifeî

Posted: 9/10/02

by Andrew Miller
Argus News Reporter

When doctors told Caledonia resident Brenda Jarka she was dying in October 2001, she made a decision that would save many other livesñ she elected to be an organ donor.

ìShe was confronted with the possibility of dying, and she became an advocate knowing she could help somebody,î said Richard Jarka, Brendaís husband of eight years. ìHer head injury opened up the door for a lot of donations. Sheíd felt pretty good about that.î

After Brenda was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage, the couple talked to a resident physician, who related to them that her father-in-law was waiting for a transplant.

ìShe (the physician) explained to me how important it was to her and all the possibilities it opened up for her father-in-law,î Jarka said. ìOrgan donation seemed silly not to do since the opportunity was there.î

After Brenda passed away last year at the age of 50, her donations were used to help others in need of organ and tissue transplants. Though her death was a tremendous source of griefñ Richard noted that the two were ìjoined at the hipî during their time togetherñ there was satisfaction in knowing that others could benefit.

ìI know for a fact they used her heart valve, they used a lot of tissue and some bone, and at the time her eyes were a candidate for donation,î Jarka said.

A donation such as Brenda Jarkaís can benefit between 50 and 75 people, according to the Wisconsin Tissue Bank. And such donations are greatly needed, as approximately 80,000 Americans are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant and nearly 6000 people each year die for lack of a transplant.

There is no cost to be an organ donor and there are no age limitations. To become a donor, a person can indicate his intent in a living will or on his driverís license, or he can carry an organ donor card. Donors are strongly advised to discuss their decision with family members, since hospitals and organ procurement agencies are reluctant to go against the wishes of family members.

ìEven though youíre grieving, itís good to know youíve given someone else the possibility of extended life,î Jarka noted. ìIn our situation, it was hopeless, but with donations it isnít.î

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