In recent weeks, the bulk of my working time has been taken up with a DVD project. It has, and still is, one of the most challenging projects I have ever taken on singlehandedly. At times I have wondered if I took on too much on my own, but steady work has gradually paid dividends and now the work is nearing an end.
What has made it even more challenging is that when someone asks me what I am working on and I tell them, I often get the reaction:
"Eeeewww!"
Sure, organ donation and transplantation is a pretty heavy subject, but I am surprised so many people react by wanting to avoid the subject at all costs. Even more interesting is that when people actually start to hear some of the stories involved, their stance usually softens and becomes far more sympathetic.
On the face of it, it does seem a shame that so many thousands of healthy organs are buried or burned each year, when they could have been used to either save the lives, or significantly enhance the lives of so many people.
I don't intend to preach here, except to say that it has surprised me that so many people are against transplantation - and that they are either unwilling or unable to offer coherent reasons why.
Having met so many people involved on all sides of donation and transplantation, I am more convinced than ever of the overwhelming good that is being done in the lives of people who might otherwise die. Equally, I am saddened that 450 people die in the UK each year waiting for transplants.
We are no longer in the dark ages with this. Recipients of transplants go on to lead full and productive lives in a majority of cases now. Perhaps it is time to do what we can to help change that social perception form "Eeewww!" to something more positive.
In due course, you will be able to see the film I have made for the Legacy of Life charity. Till then, feel free to visit their web site and download a PDF file of their book "Transforming Lives". It contains many uplifting stories, showing the good that is done through transplantation.
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