Dear Principal, Teachers, and fellow schoolmates,
I am Wyatt Chung from 3D, a representative of the social service group. Let me ask you all a question. Have you ever heard of a legend of the contribution to society even by a dead person? It is all about organ donation!
Now, let me share with an article of organ donation which makes me touched and inspired. Carman, the kind dead person, has made a miracle that her legacy of internal organ has given six others a second chance of life. Her kidneys, liver, heart and corneas are now helping people aged between six and sixty. Her family said that they hope Carman’s story will help inspire more people to become organ donors. The youngest of those she helped, six-year-old Sky Lai, had needed a liver transplant since birth. His father said he was thankful that Sky was given a second chance. However, while sky and the other five transplant recipients can look forward to a better life, thousands of Hongkongers still await transplants.
According to figures from the Hospital Authority, just 4.6 people for every million citizens donate their organs last year, there is a significant plummet from 7.5 per million in 2009. The figures have fluctuated in recent years. The situation for renal patients is even more dire. Moreover, Hospital Authority statistics show that 34 people died last year while waiting for organ transplants. At this rate, more people will suffer.
Here comes the problem, why does the number of organ donors drop significantly? Are there so many obstacles hindering the people from opening their mind? I am going to clarify some major misconceptions.
First, some people think that our religion, the Christianity is against the idea of donating organs. But actually does the Bible say that? On the contrary, the Bible states that we should love each other and try our best to help each other. Therefore, we should donate our organs after death to help the patients in need to survive.
Second, some people have been misled that they think the technology is not advanced enough in Hong Kong in organ donation which is still under trial stages. That’s really a wrong concept. From the South China Morning Post, there are local transplant teams in Hong Kong who enjoy an international reputation for their top skills. The quality of transplantation in Hong Kong is guaranteed. We do not have to worry about that.
Another major misconception is that taking out organs will affect the dead body’s look in the funeral. We totally do not have worry about this problem as the dead would be decorated by professional make-up and covered up by beautiful clothes.
Finally, our traditional belief is to have a fully preserved body after death. To respect the tradition, I cannot say that it is non-sense but after we die, our spirit will go to the Holy Father, our body is only a container to sustain our life why we are alive. Why don’t we just share a part of it with others in need when we do not need it anymore?
Contribution is to be made after we die, but the decision is made when we are alive. Let’s act! Don’t hesitate to help others as a Christian! Sign up the organ donation card as soon as you can!