FOCUS - DECEMBER 2017 45 transplants. Canada-wide, over 2,000 people undergo an organ transplant annually, but a whopping 4,000 are currently on the waiting list. Canada lags behind other countries when it comes to organ donation, despite the fact that 90% of Canadians approve of organ donation. Only 51% nation- wide have made the commitment. “I have come to realize that this is a significant gap that should be addressed,” said Dr. Dayal. It is her hope that the gap will be diminished, thanks to initiatives such as Port Perry Steps Up For Organ Donation. HAVE THE CONVERSATION “It’s important to let your family know of your intentions,” Dr. Dayal advised. “As an emergency room physician, I’ve learned how to access potential patients for an organ donor eligibil- ity in a matter of minutes and how to discuss these delicate situations with families. In the relatively calm atmosphere of my family practice however, there simply isn’t the same focus on discussing organ donation,” explained Dr. Dayal. Dr. Dayal’s social media sites (Twitter and Facebook,) this Focus on Scugog article, plus the new online campaign, are ideal ways to increase awareness of the need and remind people that being an organ donor is vitally important. It could help some- one suffering from a potentially fatal cardiac arrest, or a little baby. Live donors are also needed. There’s a bone marrow stem cell do- nor registry known as the One Match program, to help people combating leukemia, lymphoma and aplastic anemia. In her blog, Dr. Dayal describes do- nating blood products as “an incred- ible act of kindness and generosity.” The victim of a car crash can re- quire blood products from up to 50 donors to survive. To review the eligi- bility criteria and find clinics, simply go to Canadian Blood Services or call 1-888-2DONATE. “Make the decision while you have time, forethought, and input from your family,” suggests Dr. Dayal. “Don’t wait for the choice to be out of your hands.” For more information go to: www.drjessicaross.com/ #Save-a-Life-or-8-How-to-be-a- Blood-Tissue-or-Organ-Donor Please consider signing up to be an organ donor to commemorate Christmas 2017. By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugog Organ Donation (continued from page 43) 905.985.4973 willowtreefarm.ca 975 Regional Rd 21, Port Perry