Tell others if you are an organ donor

Re: “Two hockey player funerals in two days too much for Lethbridge,” Licia Corbella, Opinion, April 14.

Thanks to Licia Corbella for publicizing organ donations. It is so important for a donor to let friends and family know the donor’s wishes.

As the time for collection nears, donors may be unable to communicate their wishes.

In 1993, my father suffered a massive stroke that rendered him immobile and speechless. He eventually died. In the evening of his death, we (his adult children) discovered a donor card. We had not previously known his wishes. We immediately contacted the hospital; all they were able to harvest were his corneas. It was too late to even evaluate which other organs or tissue might have been harvested.

Donors, please contact your relatives and friends to ensure they know your wishes. Let your family know and secure their agreement to avoid any last-minute emotional distress over the harvesting of donated organs or tissue. Mark Hambridge, Calgary