The Gift of Life
by Laryssa Grinenko (Jun. ’02)
At a time of death, it is difficult to do much else than grieve over the loss of a loved one. But in this time of loss, it may be possible to spare another family the same grief that you are experiencing. The gift of life is one to cherish and to appreciate. Life is a miracle in itself, a beautiful thing. Why then are we reluctant to give what we can so others can live? As of May 31, 2002, 79,836 people were on the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network National Patient Waiting List for organ transplant. As a definitive act of charity, love, and generosity, the Orthodox Church considers organ transplantation an accepted procedure. Though it may be illogical to think that all these people on the list will receive transplants in sufficient time, how can we not give what we can to help these people who are in desperate need?
As Orthodox Christians, we know we are created in the image and likeness of God, and are called to act in accordance to His words and deeds. God’s immeasurable love for us led him to give us His only Son, “and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” (2 Corinthians 5: 15). Our lives should be dedicated to God, obeying His commandments, the greatest of which is to love one another as He has loved us. How better to show love than to give a part of ourselves to save the life of another? “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Let us promote the word of God and give life to those who may lose theirs.
Understandably there may be a few concerns preventing many from becoming organ donors. “It is a mutilation of my body, which is a temple of God.” “If I am an organ donor and I am in an accident, I will be the last one the paramedics are concerned with helping because they will want my organs.” “How can I be sure that my organs are distributed properly?” These are a few of the main concerns of potential donors. True, our bodies are temples in which the Holy Spirit dwells, but by giving our organs we are not disfiguring or mutilating the temple. In the event of an accident, every effort to save your life will be made, whether if you are an organ donor or not. By being an organ donor, paramedics will not leave you to die just so that they may have your organs. Organ donation is the last thing considered in such situations. With regards to the allocation of your organs, they will be distributed on the following basis: the urgency of the need for the organ by someone who matches your blood or tissue type, then by how long a recipient has been on the waiting list, and finally by their proximity.
Can we honestly call ourselves Orthodox Christians if we are reluctant to give ourselves to those who are in need? While many may be opposed to organ donation, I say to you that if I can save a life by giving part of my own, I will do it. And when I die, I hope that my organs may save as many lives as possible. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Though I may not live, I vow that my brethren will.