What is a meaningful death? How can a person have a meaningful death?
Death in the United States is almost universally viewed as negative. Death creates, in those you leave behind, a sense of profound loss. As a consequence, people prefer to avoid the subject of death entirely - until death is forced upon them by a loved one's terminal illness or sudden, tragic accident or incident.
Just for a moment, think about what happens when an individual dies. Life ceases. Family and friends grieve. The body and all organs and tissues are placed in the ground, or cremated. All that remains of you following your death is grieving family and friends, and the memory of you.
How will people remember you? What will they say about you at your memorial service? Did you make a difference in this world? Will people say "He had a good life!" or "She was a wonderful person"? We hope and trust this will be the case.
A meaningful death is one in which the death itself can have a positive outcome. How? By the donation of your organs and tissues to people in need!
At IOPO, we work every day to save lives through organ and tissue donation. Our fervent hope is that you make the decision to make your death meaningful by registering to become an organ and tissue donor. It costs you and your family nothing, and the difference you make in the lives of others is priceless!
Continue reading to learn about the need for organ, tissue, and eye donation