So many ways to
save a life
Giving the gift of donation is both profound and impactful. While most organ and tissue donations happen after death, they leave behind a legacy that changes lives. Additionally, living donation and birth tissue donation are options for some individuals.
Pediatric Donation
Why would a child need an organ transplant?
Children waiting for transplants are courageously battling end-stage organ diseases affecting vital organs like the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, or bowel. Additionally, there are those who are patiently hoping for a cornea transplant to gift them the precious sense of sight once again and for tissues like heart valves to serve as life-saving replacements for parts of their bodies that are currently in distress.
How long do kids on the national transplant list have to wait?
Children and teenagers awaiting organ transplants may find themselves on the national waiting list for extended periods, which can span from weeks to months, or even several years. During this challenging time, these young patients may have to reside full-time in medical facilities or make frequent visits for rigorous treatments. Missing out on traditional schooling, playing freely, and engaging in everyday childhood activities is common among these individuals. As the number of children and teens in need of organ transplants always exceeds the available organs, close to half of them may spend a year or more on the waiting list. Tragically, some individuals pass away while awaiting a life-saving transplant, with children under the age of one facing the highest mortality rate on the list.
Who can donate an organ to a child?
Adolescents and children may receive organs (or portions of organs) from adults whose tissues are a good match, including living donors like family members or friends. These donors can often provide a kidney, section of lung, or liver for a younger recipient. Viable organs from deceased adults may also be a good match. However, infants and young children can be too small to receive adult-sized organs, necessitating donations from children closer to their age and body size. This dependency underscores the importance of families of terminally ill or injured children who are willing to donate organs after their child's passing. The decision to donate can be incredibly challenging for these families, as it involves navigating medical, ethical, and spiritual considerations amidst the grief of losing a child. Nonetheless, the knowledge that their child's organs can offer other children a chance at life and health often brings some solace. It's heartening for these families to learn that a single donor can potentially impact up to 8 individuals waiting for life-saving transplants.
How do families make decisions about organ donation?
Every family's situation is unique when it comes to organ donation considerations. Factors such as cultural or religious beliefs, as well as individual values, play a significant role in the decision-making process. Medical providers play a crucial role in guiding families through the complexities of organ donation after reaching the medical criteria for brain or circulatory death. Involving older children in discussions about organ donation, depending on their age and health status, is becoming more common. Some adolescents may have already expressed their intent to donate through state-specific processes tied to driver education programs, though parental consent is necessary for donors under 18. These conversations may also arise during routine well-child visits, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to pediatric care. Medical teams, devoid of bias or judgment, aim to assist families in making informed choices regarding organ donation. Beyond medical professionals, the involvement of additional support services, including social workers, child life specialists, and mental health providers, is vital in providing comprehensive care and guidance to both the young patient and their family. Ultimately, delivering compassionate and effective end-of-life care to children remains the primary objective for pediatricians and healthcare teams.