Michael’s death spurs on family to become organ donors

Fairleads resident Sheila Erasmus said she registered as an organ donor with the Organ Donor Foundation two days after her son, Michael Bester, was involved in an accident on Benoni Road.

Michael died on July 24, after he was knocked off his bicycle the previous day.

The Belvedere School pupil was riding home from school on July 23, when a car collided with him.

Sheila gave doctors permission to harvest Michael’s organs, as she felt he would have wanted that and in a bid to keep his legacy alive.

She told the City Times people should register as organ donors to help save lives.

“It is a great idea to save lives because, when you die, there is no use for your organs, so it is better to donate your organs,” said Sheila.

The mother said her son saved six lives.

An 11-year-old boy from Durban received Michael’s kidney.

The City Times received the following frequently asked questions from the Organ Donor Foundation:

•  Who can be an organ or tissue donor?

Any person who is in good health and is clear of defined chronic diseases that might adversely affect the recipient.

•  Can I be a donor if I have an existing medical condition?

Having a medical condition does not necessarily prevent a person from becoming an organ donor. The decision about what organs will be transplanted will be established at the time of your death.

•  Which organs can be transplanted?

Your heart, liver and pancreas can save three lives and your kidneys and lungs can help up to four people. You can save seven lives.

•  Which tissue can be transplanted?

You can help up to 50 people by donating your corneas, skin, bone and heart valves.

•  Is there any cost involved in signing up as an organ donor?

No.

•  Does your family pay for the cost of donation?

No. The hospital or state will cover all medical expenses from the moment of diagnosis of brain death and when your family has given consent for the removal of the organs.

•  Would my family receive compensation for donating my organs or tissue?

No.

•  Can I donate an organ or tissue while I am alive?

Yes – in some cases. Live donations, such as kidney are often done between family members.

•  How do doctors know I am really dead?

Two doctors, who are completely independent of the transplant team, have to perform detailed tests before a person can be declared brain dead. The criteria for brain death is very strictly adhered to and accepted medically, legally and ethically in South Africa and internationally.

•  Does being a donor delay the funeral?

No. As soon as the organs and tissue have been donated, the body is returned to the family to bury or cremate.

•  Does organ or tissue donation leave my body disfigured?

No. The utmost respect and dignity is given to the donor at all times.

•  Can I change my mind?

Yes. You can change your mind at any time. Simply tear up your organ donor card and remove the stickers from your ID and driver’s licence. Inform your family of the change of heart.

To become an organ donor, visit www.odf.org.za.