April is Organ and Tissue Donation Month, even though the month has ended we should all keep it in mind. Saint Xavier University Professor Cynthia “Cyndi” Grobmeier is a donor mom who is looking to clear up organ donation misconceptions.
“Though there are many misconceptions about organ and tissue donation, I think there are a couple that are most common. The biggest misconception is that if the paramedics or the doctors find out you are a registered donor, they will not work as hard to save your life.”
Grobmeier continued, “There are many ways to prove this false–first, is the purely ethical implications. It is their job to do everything in their power to save people. But beyond that, a patient must be ventilated in order for the organs to even be considered to be donated.”
To clear up further doubts, Grobmeier shares Maddie’s story to those who believe this misconception.
“After she was found not breathing, after suffering an acute asthma attack, we watched teams of paramedics, then doctors, bring Maddie back from cardiac arrest several times to stabilize her so she could be life-flighted to a hospital where she could be even better cared for.”
Grobmeier continued, “They did absolutely everything in their power to save her, but she had just suffered too dramatic of a brain injury. In the end, us being able to honor her decision to be an organ and tissue donor has brought some meaning to her death and some sense of peace in our loss.”
Grobmeier runs a national non-profit organization called “The Maddog Strong Foundation” which educates teens and young adults to make an informed decision about organ and tissue donation.
It is dedicated to her daughter Maddie Grobmeier who unexpectedly passed away from an asthma attack the day after her 18th birthday. Maddie donated her heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, corneas, and tissue.
“We believe that through education, the common myths will be dispelled, and we will help develop the next generation or organ and tissue donation registration advocates.” Grobmeier said.
To read more about these misconceptions and the importance of organ donation, read The Xavierie’s Opinions Editor Heather Mayhew’s article here.
Grobmeier hopes to see the future of organ and tissue donation take a positive turn.
“The ultimate goal is to see a day where everyone who needs a transplant can get one… a day where 20 people don’t die waiting for that life-saving transplant.”
Grobmeier continued, “Today, over 90% of Americans have a favorable opinion of organ donation, but only about 54% are actually registered. Through education, we hope to see those registration numbers increase, which will ultimately help make more life-saving transplants happen.”
Maddie’s organ and tissue donation has influenced Grobmeier’s perception about donation.
“Like many people, I was a registered donor, but never really thought much else about it after I said “yes” at the DMV. Knowing how important it was to us that Maddie had shared her decision to register to be a donor, I have learned how important it is to share our story in the hopes that it will help other families find some hope in the worst moment of their life.”
To register to become an organ donor visit DonateLife.net
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